#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Ink #Luminade #Scintillator

Revolutionary Stretchable Plastic Scintillator from Tokyo Ink

Tokyo Ink Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kita-ku, Tokyo, has unveiled an innovative stretchable plastic scintillator, the first of its kind in the Luminade® series. This remarkable development offers a significant departure from traditional rigid plastic scintillators, boasting unique properties able to stretch and adhere to various surfaces.

The primary application of this novel scintillator is in radiation visualization, especially for objects with complex geometrical shapes like plants. The new material addresses challenges encountered with conventional scintillators that struggle to conform and adhere to the surfaces they are applied to, which can hinder effective radiation detection and visualization.

Presentation at the 87th Applied Physics Society Autumn Meeting

The research findings regarding this groundbreaking scintillator will be presented in a talk titled "Stretchable and Adhesive Plastic Scintillator" at the 87th Applied Physics Society Autumn Academic Conference, taking place from September 8 to 11, 2026, at Hokkaido University. During the presentation, the Tokyo Ink team will elaborate on crucial evaluation results, including:

• - Tensile properties
• - Stretch ratio
• - Scintillation characteristics under gamma radiation

Background of Development

Recently, advancements in technologies utilizing plastic scintillators have accelerated, particularly in the fields of visualizing radioactive elements within plant bodies and enhancing radiation therapy techniques. However, the primary challenge has been the rigidity of traditional plastic scintillators, which can impede proper adhesion to curved or uneven surfaces necessary for accurate radiation visualization, introducing unwanted stress to the measured objects.

To tackle these issues, Tokyo Ink has forged a unique combination of polystyrene-based elastomers and organic phosphors, achieving a stretchable plastic scintillator that marries flexibility with adhesion perfectly designed for diverse applications.

Unique Features of the New Scintillator

1. High Elasticity
The new scintillator is capable of significant elongation while retaining its shape, featuring rubber-like materials that enhance its flexibility.

(Figure demonstrating high elasticity during tensile testing)

2. Excellent Adhesive Performance
This scintillator conforms effortlessly to various surfaces, including smooth glass substrates, curves, and uneven shapes, minimizing the distance between the measurement device and the object.


3. Maintains Scintillation Functionality
Despite its flexibility, the scintillator performs its function of emitting light upon exposure to radiation, with evaluations conducted using gamma rays.

4. Potential for New Applications
The stretchable scintillator opens avenues for numerous innovative applications, including:
- Visualizing the behavior of radioactive elements within plants
- Enhancements in radiation therapy beam visualization
- Development of radiation sensors for curved components and wearable devices
- Flexible radiation imaging sheets

The versatile nature of this stretchable scintillator suggests promising new fields for radiation measurement applications.

Tokyo Ink’s Luminade® Brand

Tokyo Ink has a long-standing commitment to innovation, offering a range of products under the Luminade® brand, including pellets, sheets, and 3D printer filaments designed for radiation detection. The newly developed stretchable scintillator aims to become an integral part of the Luminade® lineup, extending the brand's commitment to quality and innovation in radiation detection materials.

Related Product Information

• - Polypropylene (PP) Filament PPF-101
• - Luminade® (Pellet and Sheet Types)
• - 3D Stage Sealant® ATP-101

Inquiries Related to this Development

For further inquiries regarding this groundbreaking development, please visit the Tokyo Ink Corporate website's contact form at Tokyo Ink Contact Form.

Tokyo Ink Co., Ltd. has a history spanning over 100 years, excelling as a comprehensive color chemical manufacturer. Based on its roots in the printing ink business, the company has diversified its expertise into colored plastic agents and functional materials, providing essential products for a sustainable future.

Company Overview

• - Headquarters: 1-12-4 Oji, Kita-ku, Tokyo
• - Established: December 1923
• - CEO: Satoshi Horikawa
• - Capital: 3.2 billion yen
• - Market Listing: Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market (4635)
• - Business Scope: Manufacture and sales of offset inks, gravure inks, inkjet inks, various coatings, printing materials, industrial and packaging netron, and more.