A low-energy glow in the dark path trialled in a municipal park in Cambridge could be expanded to other areas of the UK city. Around 150 square metres of path in Christ's Pieces park was coated with a polyurethane glue, ultraviolet (UV) absorbent photo-luminescent particles and a biodegradable sealant in October last year. The aggregate material absorbs and stores energy from ambient UV light during the day. At night the particles release the UV energy, creating a soft blue glow that varies in intensity depending on how dark it is. Cambridge Council Technical Officer Declan O'Halloran says that the council was "pleasantly pleased" with the Starpath system, adding: "We do see scope for using it elsewhere in the city." He feels it is most likely to be used in other park areas, as well as on golf courses and around certain historic locations. "I've heard through the grapevine that some park managers are exploring this in certain spaces", he adds. "It'll be a niche product to begin with, but it has definite potential."
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