Strontium is best known for the brilliant reds its salts give to fireworks flares and pyrotechnics: Plastic Pyrotechnic Compositions Containing Strontium Perchlorate And Acrylic Polymer (1966)). It is also used in producing ferrite magnets: Permanent Magnet Material Having Strontium Ferrite Base (1970)).
Modern ‘glow-in-the-dark’ paints and plastics contain strontium aluminate. They absorb light during the day and release it slowly for hours afterwards: Strontium Aluminate Phosphor (1946).
Strontium-90, a radioactive isotope, is a by-product of nuclear reactors and present in nuclear fallout. It can have negative health consequences. However, it is also useful as it is one of the best high-energy beta-emitters known. It can be used to generate electricity for space vehicles, remote weather stations and navigation buoys: Improvements In Or Relating To Radio-Isotope-Powered Thermoelectric Generators (1968).
Strontium chloride hexahydrate is an ingredient in toothpaste for sensitive teeth: Strontium Ion-Containing Toothpaste (1965)) .
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All patent information has been obtained from Espacenet (European Patent Office).