Abstract: The invention provides compositions and molded, extruded or formed phosphorescent plastic articles produced therefrom that contain non-radioactive, non-sulfide phosphorescent phosphor pigments that emit light in the visible spectrum, preferably metal oxide aluminate:europium-activated phosphorescent phosphor pigments, preferably in combination with polymer-soluble daylight fluorescent dyes, in transparent or translucent resins. The plastic articles produced from the compositions of the invention exhibit a remarkably rich, attractive, clear, brilliant fluorescent daylight color and a strong, long-lasting glow-in-the-dark luminescence having a color similar to that of the daylight color.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition and method for obtaining both light and dark laser marks of varying shades and intensities on a single plastic article by selectively controlling laser parameters. The invention further provides compositions and methods for obtaining pre-selected one-color and multi-colored designs on plastic articles, by selectively controlling material formulations and laser parameter settings.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition and method for obtaining both light and dark laser marks of varying shades and intensities on a single plastic article by selectively controlling laser parameters. The invention further provides compositions and methods for obtaining pre-selected one-color and multi-colored designs on plastic articles, by selectively controlling material formulations and laser parameter settings.

Abstract: A method for obtaining both light and dark laser marks on a colored plastic article by using a composition with (i) a thermoplastic resin that foams when heated, (ii) about 0.4% to 0.7% by weight of a mica based laser energy absorbing additive and (iii) a coloring agent with one or more colorants selected from the group of pigments, dyes, and mixtures of pigments and dyes. Using a laser at certain settings results in charring of the resin to produce dark laser marks. At other selected laser settings, the resin foams to produce a light mark on a colored background. By varying the laser energy settings, various degrees of both foaming and charring can be achieved on a single plastic article, having a single resin composition, resulting in a multicolored laser image produced by various shades of light and/or dark marks against the background color.

Abstract: The invention provides molded, extruded or formed phosphorescent plastic articles having laser marked indicia and methods for preparing the articles. The indicia may be seen as a contrast against a phosphorescent background or, alternatively, the indicia may themselves be phosphorescent. An article of the invention has a composition comprising about 50% to about 99% by weight of a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin, about 1% to about 50% by weight of a phosphorescent phosphor pigment and about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of a laser energy absorbing additive. Resin compositions which themselves are laser energy absorbing do not require the additive; however, the addition of small quantities of the laser energy additive enhances the quality and contrast of the laser mark.