Scratch- and wear-resistant photoluminescent silicone epoxy coatings on floor tiles

Photoluminescent silicone epoxy resins were prepared by physical dispersion of SrAl<inf>2</inf>O<inf>4</inf>:Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ pigments. The resin was deposited on ceramic tiles for flooring by automatic drawdown and left to harden at ambient conditions. Morphology of the coated tiles was measured by contact gage profilometry and field emission gun scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical response was investigated by pencil and cross-hatch scratch tests; depth-sensing indentation measurements were performed using Vickers and flat punch indenters. Tribological response of the coated tiles was measured by progressive and constant load scratch tests and dry sliding linearly reciprocating ball-on-flat tests, respectively. Intensity of photoluminescent radiations and the corresponding decay time were estimated by digital imaging. The photoluminescent coatings feature high hardness, scratch and wear endurance as well as good clarity. Being the resin designed for spontaneous drying and suitable for easy-to-automate and versatile deposition processes, it is the ideal candidate for the decoration of a large variety of substrates as well as for the repowering and/or retrofitting of previous installations