Precise color measurement of chemical powders
In the chemical industry, color is much more than just an optical feature – it is a decisive quality factor. With powders, catalysts and additives in particular, even a minimal color deviation can indicate differences in purity, composition or process control. Objective and reproducible color measurement therefore provides important information for quality assurance, product development and process control.
Why color is so crucial in chemical powders
Powdered chemicals are used in numerous applications – from pigments, fertilizers, binders and fillers to additives for plastics or coatings. Their color 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 in particular, color measurement is a fast method that reliably provides objective data – regardless of subjective perception or lighting conditions.
ColorFlex L2 – The Simple Solution for Powder Measurements in Laboratory or Production
The new ColorFlex L2 spectrophotometer is ideal for the color measurement of chemical powders, granulates and additives. With its 45°/0° measuring geometry, it measures exactly how the human eye perceives color – perfect for products that were previously evaluated visually.
Advantages in practice:
✅ Easy sample handling – powders can be measured directly in dishes or Petri dishes
✅ Precise and repeatable results
✅ Fast device calibration and intuitive software (Essentials 2.0)
✅ Robust and compact – ideal for laboratory and production environments
This allows colour deviations between production batches to be detected, documented, and corrected before they affect the final product.
Agera L2 – for UV-active substances and whiteness measurements
If powders contain optically active or fluorescent components, or if the degree of whiteness (e.g. for catalysts, fillers or titanium dioxide-based additives) needs to be determined, the Agera spectrophotometer is the right choice.
With its 0°/45° measuring geometry and UV calibration, the Agera enables precise measurement even with materials that fluoresce under UV light. The integrated camera supports optimum sample positioning.
Typical applications:
- UV-active additives in polymer formulations
- White pigments or catalysts containing optical brighteners
- Universally applicable, whether powder, agglomerate or pellets
FAQ
How are chemical powders measured?
Powders are usually measured in round glass 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, etc.).
What influences the measurement results?
Particle size, density and scattering properties can easily change the measured color. Standardized sample preparation and a uniform surface are therefore important.
Can fluorescent or UV-active powders be measured?
Yes – Instruments like the HunterLab Agera can be used to identify optically brightened samples. It has an illumination range of 360-700 nm and a spectral range of 400-700 nm. For measurements of optically brightened samples, the device has a software-controlled UV option. In addition to a complete UV exclusion, the UV component can also be calibrated.
Which software is suitable for evaluating chemical powders?
The integrated QC software Essentials 2.0 contains all the necessary color data, trend plots and views. Both the ColorFlex L2 and the Agera can be integrated into existing LIMS/SPC systems for further processing of the data.
Conclusion
The color measurement of chemical powder substances is an indispensable part of modern quality control.
With the ColorFlex L2 for routine tests and the Agera L2 for demanding applications with UV activity or whiteness requirements, the laboratory and production have two perfectly coordinated 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 food and beverage color measurement. Our innovative solutions have been ensuring outstanding color quality in many industries for over 70 years. Well-known corporations and companies around the world rely on our devices and customer-oriented service. With 14 representatives throughout Europe and a dedicated team in the European HunterLab office, we support users with all colorimetry issues.
Talk to our colorimetry experts to get a quote or consultation.