Deterioration Studies and Storage Lifetime of Commercial Packaged Chemiluminescent Formulation.
Abstract
The commercial chemiluminescent lightstick ('Cyalume') has been tested under various conditions designed to enable an assessment of the factors which affect light output to be made. It has been shown that under ambient storage conditions the lightsticks have a service life of three years. There is no gradual decline in performance; after the onset of deterioration the failure point is rapidly reached. The most severe deterioration is produced by a combination of water vapour and heat but the individual effects also cause a decline in performance. An external protective barrier is necessary to prevent water vapour penetrating the polyethylene lightstick container and the 'Cyalume' product uses a laminated aluminium foil wrapping for the purpose. It is essential that lightsticks are handled with care to ensure that no puncture of the wrapper occurs. Under hot, humid conditions it is possible that defects in the seal of the wrapper may permit ingress of moisture. Ideally, lightsticks should therefore be stored in a cool, dry area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA026199
Entities
People
- D. B. Paul
- E. F. Wiese
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group