Photoelectric effect on concrete artifacts produced with the addition of luminescent substances and polymer residues

Abstract

Among the practical applications of Quantum Physics, photoluminescence has stood out in different contexts in Engineering and Architecture. Due to the photoelectric effect, certain substances emit photons after being exposed to solar energy. In research in Mexico and Europe, these substances were applied to obtain a photoluminescent effect on bicycle paths. The objective of the research is to investigate the behavior of polymeric residues with the luminescent effect of rare-earth materials in the production of concrete artifacts to illuminate pedestrian and cyclist paths. The concrete blocks were produced with the addition of polymeric recycling waste and luminescent materials, exposed to solar radiation, and tested for mechanical strength. The results of the experiments showed that the polymer residue in concrete significantly increases photon emission, especially when it is processed by extrusion. Although the mixture of photoluminescent materials and polymers reduces the strength of concrete, it still met research objectives for a product meant to illuminate pedestrian and cyclist paths.