Osram Sylvania Inc.

Robert F Clark

Keith A Klinedinst

A phosphor particle has thereon a moisture resistant treatment of a metallic nitride. By moisture resistant is meant a condition allowing the phosphor particle to function in a humid atmosphere for a significantly longer period of time than an untreated particle. The method of making such phosphors comprises the steps of introducing an inert gas into a reaction vessel; charging phosphor particles into the reaction vessel; heating the reaction vessel to a reaction temperature; introducing a nitride coating precursor into the reaction vessel; introducing a co-reactant into the reaction vessel; and maintaining the inert gas flow, co-reactant flow and precursor supply for a time sufficient to moisture-proof the phosphor particles. The nitride treated phosphor particles produced by this method, which can include the deposition of a nitride coating on the particles, have excellent efficacy ratings and strong luminance values in lamps after 100 hours use in high humidity (i.e., >95%).

Moisture insensitive electroluminescent phosphor

A phosphor particle having thereon a conformal coating of aluminum nitride. By conformal coating is meant a coating that follows the surface contours of the individual particles. The method of making such phosphors comprises the steps of introducing an inert gas into a reaction vessel; charging phosphor particles into the reaction vessel; heating the reaction vessel to a reaction temperature; introducing a nitride coating precursor into the reaction vessel; introducing a coreactant into the reaction vessel; and maintaining the inert gas flow, coreactant flow and precursor supply for a time sufficient to coat the phosphor particles. The nitride coated phosphor particles produced by this method have excellent efficacy ratings and strong luminance values in lamps after 100 hours use in high humidity (i.e.,&gt;95%).

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Brockton, MA, United States of America

Robert F Clark