Selection of luminous materials for food-grade silicone key chains

The selection of luminous materials for food-grade silicone key chains needs to take into account safety, luminescent performance and compatibility with silicone. The following is an analysis of the specific types and characteristics of the materials:

First, types of luminous materials

Luminous powder

Characteristics: Luminous powder is a very fine powder. Common colors include green, purple, etc. Among them, green luminous powder has the highest brightness, while purple has the darkest. It has the property of absorbing light and emitting light, and can continuously emit light for a period of time after absorbing light.

Advantages: Obvious luminous effect, relatively low cost, and the color and brightness can be adjusted according to needs.

Disadvantages: The powder is relatively fine. Precautions should be taken during operation to avoid inhalation. When mixed with silica gel, it is necessary to ensure uniform dispersion to prevent uneven luminescence.

Application method: Luminous powder can be mixed with silicone raw materials in a certain proportion and made into luminous key chains through injection molding or compression molding processes. It is also possible to first fill the luminous powder into a specific mold and then encapsulate it with silicone.

Luminous paint

Feature: Luminous paint is a liquid material containing luminous particles and can be directly applied to the surface of silicone.

Advantages: Simple operation, flexible control of the illuminated area and pattern, suitable for personalized design.

Disadvantages: The thickness and uniformity of the coating are difficult to control, which may affect the luminescence effect and product appearance. Long-term use may lead to wear and tear, resulting in a decline in luminescent performance.

Application method: After the silicone key chain is formed, evenly apply the luminous coating on the surface and wait for it to dry and cure. It can also be combined with templates for patterned coloring to increase the interest of the product.

Second, key points for material selection

Safety

Luminous materials must comply with food-grade safety standards and be free of harmful substances such as lead and cadmium and other heavy metals, ensuring that no toxic substances are released when in contact with food-grade silicone and guaranteeing safe use.

The materials should pass relevant safety certifications, such as meeting the safety standards for food contact materials, to avoid potential threats to human health.

Luminescent performance

Give priority to choosing luminous materials with high luminance and long afterglow time to make the key chain clearly visible at night or in low-light environments and enhance its practicality.

Consider the excitation conditions of the material, such as its light absorption capacity and the rate of light emission attenuation, to ensure effective light emission under different lighting environments.

Compatibility

The luminous material should have good compatibility with food-grade silicone, without affecting the physical properties of silicone, such as elasticity and flexibility, to ensure the normal use of the key chain.

Ensure that the luminous material and silicone can be stably combined during the processing without delamination, peeling or other phenomena, and guarantee product quality.

Third, the combination process of luminous materials and silicone

Hybrid injection molding/compression molding

Mix the luminous powder with the silicone raw materials in proportion evenly and form it through injection molding or compression molding processes. This method enables the luminous material to be evenly distributed in the key chain, resulting in a uniform luminescence effect.

It is necessary to pay attention to controlling the mixing ratio and process parameters to avoid affecting the molding performance of the silicone and the luminescent performance of the luminous material.

Surface coating

After the silicone key chain is formed, apply the luminous paint on the surface. This method is flexible in operation and can achieve local luminescence or specific pattern luminescence.

It is necessary to ensure the adhesion between the coating and the silicone gel to prevent the coating from peeling off during use, which may affect the luminous effect and the appearance of the product.