Research News

A research team from Walailak University has successfully developed an innovative hybrid glow-in-the-dark road stud, utilizing Glow-in-the-Dark (GiD) technology combined with recycled glass powder to improve road safety. This innovation promotes the use of environmentally friendly materials and marks the debut of the first glow-in-the-dark road stud project in southern Thailand at Walailak University. 

Associate Professor Dr. Thanongsak Imjai, a researcher from the School of Engineering and Technology at Walailak University, alongside researchers from Thailand, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom, developed the hybrid road stud, which integrates glow-in-the-dark reflective technology and recycled glass powder. This project has received support from the Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Welfare Foundation in Japan, and a patent application has already been filed. 

Dr. Thanongsak explained that the hybrid glow-in-the-dark road studs absorb light energy during the day and release light in the dark for up to 8 hours. They also reflect vehicle headlights, enhancing safety in poorly lit areas such as curves, intersections, and pedestrian crossings. 

The standout features of this reflective material include increased brightness—150 mcd/m² after eight hours in the dark—and its ability to reflect vehicle headlights, which exceeds standard reflective materials. It is energy-efficient, requiring no electricity or batteries, and reduces production and material costs by up to 30% through the use of recycled glass powder. Additionally, the studs are durable and weather-resistant. 

Experiments installing the glow-in-the-dark reflective studs on roads within the university and in various areas have shown that the studs can withstand pressure from vehicle tires weighing over 30 tons. They also retain their brightness under all environmental conditions. 

In the future, the research team plans to further develop and enhance the material’s durability and expand its use nationwide, particularly in rural areas that lack street lighting systems. 

Moreover, the research team has applied this technology to create innovative glow-in-the-dark benches and gravel from recycled materials, adding value to waste materials while also contributing to public spaces. The team hopes that this technology will be adopted internationally to help reduce accidents and increase road safety worldwide.