Precise colour measurement of chemical powders
In the chemical industry, colour is far more than a visual attribute – it is a crucial indicator of quality.
Especially for powders, catalysts, and additives, even the slightest colour deviation can point to differences in purity, composition, or process conditions.
Objective and repeatable colour measurement therefore provides valuable insights for quality assurance, product development, and process control.
Why Colour Matters in Chemical Powders
Powdered chemicals are used in a wide range of applications – from pigments, fertilisers, binders, and fillers to additives for plastics and coatings. Their colour often provides information about:
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Purity and particle morphology
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Reaction degree and temperature control during synthesis
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Stability or ageing due to storage or light exposure
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Homogeneity and batch consistency
In quality control, colour measurement is a fast and reliable method that delivers objective data – independent of visual perception or ambient lighting conditions.
ColorFlex L2 – The Simple Solution for Powder Measurements in Laboratory or Production
The new ColorFlex L2 spectrophotometer is ideally suited for the colour measurement of chemical powders, granulates, and additives.
With its 45°/0° measurement geometry, it measures colour exactly as the human eye perceives it – making it perfect for products that were previously evaluated visually.
Practical advantages:
✅ Easy sample handling – powders can be measured directly in dishes or Petri dishes
✅ Precise and repeatable results
✅ Quick calibration and intuitive Essentials 2.0 software
✅ Robust and compact – ideal for both laboratory and production environments
This allows colour deviations between production batches to be detected, documented, and corrected before they affect the final product.
Agera – For UV-Active Substances and Whiteness Measurements According to Ganz-Griesser
When powders contain optically active or fluorescent components, or when whiteness according to Ganz-Griesser (e.g. in catalysts, fillers, or titanium dioxide-based additives) needs to be determined, the Agera spectrophotometer is the right choice.
With its 0°/45° geometry and optional UV calibration, Agera enables precise measurement even for materials that fluoresce under UV light.
The integrated camera ensures optimal sample positioning – particularly useful for inhomogeneous powders.
Typical applications:
- UV-active additives in polymer formulations
- White pigments or catalysts containing optical brighteners
- Powders with varying particle sizes or scattering properties
FAQ
Wie werden chemische Pulver gemessen?
Powders are usually measured in glass round cuvettes or plastic Petri dishes. The spectrophotometer illuminates the sample at a defined angle and records the reflected light. This produces objective color values in the CIE L*a*b* color space or as a color index (e.g., WI, YI, 457 brightness, Ganz/Griesser, among others).
Was beeinflusst die Messergebnisse?
Particle size, density, and scattering properties can slightly alter the measured color. Therefore, standardized sample preparation and a uniform surface are important.
Kann man fluoreszierende oder UV-aktive Pulver messen?
Yes – devices like the Agera can be used to identify UV-active substances. It has a measurement range of 400-700 nm.
Welche Software eignet sich für die Auswertung von chemischen Pulvern?
The integrated QC software Essentials 2.0 includes all the necessary color data, trend plots, and views. For further data processing, both the ColorFlex L2 and the Agera can be integrated into existing LIMS/SPC systems.
Conclusion
Colour measurement of chemical powder substances has become an essential part of modern quality control.
With the ColorFlex L2 for routine testing and the Agera for advanced applications involving UV activity or whiteness evaluation, laboratories and production environments gain two perfectly complementary solutions.
Both systems stand for precision, reliability, and user-friendliness – made by HunterLab.
HunterLab: Your partner for precise color measurement
HunterLab is the world’s leading manufacturer of spectrophotometers for measuring the color of food and beverages. Our innovative solutions have ensured outstanding color quality in many industries for over 70 years. Renowned corporations and companies around the world rely on our devices and customer-oriented service. With 14 agencies throughout Europe and a dedicated team in the European HunterLab office, we support users with all colorimetric issues.
Talk to our colorimetry experts to get a quote or advice.