With color being a key criterion in the purchasing decision, color harmony and long-term color stability are a must. Long-term exposure to sunlight can fade a product’s color resulting in the decay of the fluorescent ingredients affecting the appearance of the product.

The outdoor durability of polymers is directly related to color fastness to light, which refers to a dyed polymer’s ability to resist fading when exposed to light. Many modern car interior parts are made with polymers, including lightweight seats, instrument panels, durable upholstery, sound control fabrics, the headliner, dash, and door panels. These parts are often manufactured in different locals and then assembled into one automobile. If over time, the customer’s vehicle interior does not match due to exposure, the customer satisfaction rating could plumet, causing the return of the vehicle. This is why the prediction of color stability is so important.

The combination of color, 60° gloss and fluorescence influence the entire color experience. The prediction of lightfastness, detection and quantification of fluorescence is the next step in the evolution of color measurement. The combination of a spectrophotometer and a fluorimeter in one instrument provides the technology to predict the degradation of fluorescence that affects color stability.

In this presentation we will cover:

• How to predict color stability with elimination of fluorescence over time;
• Different geometries used to measure color;
• Definition and principle of fluorescence;
• How to evaluate fluorescent energy;
• Explanation of stokes shift;
• Fluorescence indices ∆Fl and ∆Ezero;
• Quantitative examples of degradation of florescence over time and its effects on color harmony.

Register to view this presentation on-demand!

Sponsored by: