Synthetic polymers having improved photostability through the incorporation of inorganic phosphors
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorJohn N. Harris
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Abstract
Described herein are methods for improving the color stability of a synthetic polymer composition by incorporating one or more inorganic phosphor dopants into the synthetic polymer. The inorganic phosphor dopants absorb UV light and emit the UV light as down-converted visible light, thereby producing a brighter appearance for the synthetic polymer composition. Methods for preparing the synthetic polymer compositions having improved color stability are additionally described.
Claims20
A method for improving color stability of a synthetic polymer composition, comprising:
- exposing a synthetic polymer host material comprising one or more inorganic phosphor dopants to UV light;
- wherein said one or more inorganic phosphor dopants in said synthetic polymer host material absorb said UV light and then emit said UV light as down-converted visible light.
A synthetic polymer composition comprising:
- a synthetic polymer host material comprising one or more inorganic phosphor dopants, wherein said one or more inorganic phosphor dopants in said synthetic polymer host material emit down-converted visible light upon exposure to UV light;
- and
- wherein the synthetic polymer composition exhibits mechanical and flammability properties comparable to that of a synthetic polymer composition without said one or more inorganic phosphor dopants.
A method for preparing a synthetic polymer composition comprising:
- contacting a synthetic polymer host material with one or more inorganic phosphor dopants to prepare an inorganic phosphor-doped synthetic polymer material, wherein said one or more inorganic phosphor dopants in said inorganic phosphor-doped synthetic polymer material are capable of absorbing UV light and then emitting said UV light as down-converted visible light.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.