| abstract |
A method has been found which reduces substantially the degradation of the red phosphor, Y2O3:Eu, in water base fluorescent lamp suspension, thereby prolonging the shelf life of triphosphor suspensions. The method of the invention comprises forming a protective coating around individual particles of europium-doped yttrium oxide phosphor to inhibit degradation of europium-doped yttrium oxide phosphor in a water base phosphor coating suspension, the protective coating comprising an inorganic material and being of sufficient thickness to prevent the europium-doped yttrium oxide phosphor from reacting with the coating suspension. A preferred coating material is gamma-alumina. |