Gloss Measurements on Fabrics

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Abstract
The gloss or luster of a surface is essentially a subjectively evaluated property which is re lated to the manner in which the surface reflects light falling on it. Although the impression or sensation of glossiness is a matter of common experience, measurement of this property in physical terms and correlation of the measurements with its psychological aspects are extremely difficult. The most satisfactory physical measurement involves the use of a goniophotometer, an instrument which measures the amount of light reflected from a surface at various angles. Curves showing intensity of reflected light vs. the scanning angle exhibit a peak at the so- called specular angle for surfaces rated as being of high gloss. Surfaces of more complex struc ture, such as those of fabrics, show a displacement of maximum reflectance from the specular angle; the displacement is related to the angle of the incident light. The curve shape is char acteristic for different fabrics. This article describes the experimental measurement of reflectance by means of a goniopho tometer for a group of fabrics. The results are presented in the form of curves, computed "gloss indexes" or "gloss numbers," and visual ratings by different observers.

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