What is Photoluminescent Concrete?
Photoluminescent concrete is a special type of material that contains light-sensitive components, enabling it to absorb sunlight during the day and emit a soft glow at night. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for decorative applications, enhancing outdoor safety, and providing illumination without the need for electrical systems [1]
Photoluminescent particles are directly mixed into the concrete blend.
These particles absorb energy when exposed to light and glow in the dark.
Photoluminescent powder (commonly SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺/Dy³⁺) is dispersed within a cement or mortar matrix.
It can be evenly distributed throughout the material or applied as a surface coating.
Incorporates glowing polymer fibers either in layers or as light-guiding elements.
The direction of light transmission can be controlled, making it suitable for decorative or guided lighting structures [2].
Photoluminescent concrete (LCCM) operates based on long-afterglow phosphor materials, especially SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺/Dy³⁺:
Daytime: The photoluminescent particles absorb light energy (sunlight or UV).
Nighttime: The stored energy is gradually released as visible light (greenish-yellow with wavelengths of 510–520 nm).
The glow effect can last for more than 8 hours after light exposure ends, thanks to its long-persistent phosphorescence [2].
The diagram illustrates the transformation process from regular concrete to photoluminescent concrete through UV activation:
Initially, the concrete block appears gray with a typical structure.
When exposed to UV rays, the embedded photoluminescent particles absorb the energy.
The concrete then emits a characteristic green glow, becoming photoluminescent and self-illuminating in the dark.
(a) Samples containing luminous powder glow green with varying intensity based on material distribution after 5 minutes of UV exposure (365 nm).
(b) The same sample under regular light shows no glow—used as a control for (a) and (c).
(c) A large slab glows uniformly after UV exposure, indicating even distribution of luminous powder.
Applications
Photoluminescent concrete is widely used in outdoor pathways, bike lanes, and driveways. It offers visual guidance at night without electrical lighting. The soft glow enhances safety while adding a modern, eco-friendly aesthetic.
In areas like parks, plazas, sidewalks, or pedestrian paths, this material serves as a sustainable lighting solution. It improves nighttime visibility and reduces energy use—especially useful where traditional lighting is impractical or undesirable.
With its striking glow, photoluminescent concrete is used in garden art, miniatures, fountains, or architectural highlights. It creates magical, unique visual experiences in designed outdoor environments.
[1] S. Sundari, Experimental Study on Luminescent Concrete, International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), vol. 8, no. 6, Jul. 2021. [Online]. Available: IRJET Paper
[2] W. Wang et al., Self-luminescent cement-based composite materials: Properties and mechanisms, Construction and Building Materials, vol. 271, Feb. 2021. [Online]. Available: ScienceDirect Article
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