Translucent persistent luminescence glass matrix composite obtained by pressureless viscous sintering

Translucent persistent luminescence glass matrix composites (PeL-GMCs) were successfully obtained for the first time using a pressureless viscous sintering method with silicate glass as the host material. Initially, persistent luminescence microparticles (PeL-MPs) of SrAl₂O₄: Eu²⁺; Dy³⁺ were prepared by microwave-assisted synthesis under a reducing atmosphere. To obtain persistent luminescent glass matrix composites, 1 wt. % of these particles were mixed with soda-lime-silicate glass beads and pressed into pellets. Subsequently, the disk-shaped samples were heat-treated through pressureless viscous sintering. Despite some material porosity, the PeL-GMCs exhibited translucency and prolonged persistent luminescence $\left(\sim 12min\right)$. Additionally, we noted excellent compatibility between the PeL-MPs and the glass host, since no chemical interaction was found, as verified by optical microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping analysis and cathodoluminescence (CL) in SEM. Furthermore, the afterglow intensity of the particles was maintained after the preparation of materials.