Advanced Methods and Tools for Color Measuring and Matching: For Quality Check of Colored Products of Textiles and Apparel Industry

Abstract

This introductory chapter for advances in colorimetry mainly addresses the basic principles of color quantification and the measurement of different known color parameters, color differences, dye uniformity, and tolerances for different parameters of color differences for assessing color matching efficacy. Few advances in the analysis of color-related issues for the textile and apparel industry have made this task easier with the aid of computer-aided color measuring and matching systems as indispensable tools. In addition, identification of colorant molecules on colored products by using UV–VIS spectrophotometry has become essential. Analysis of the quantifiable grade/rating of compatibility between two dyes for a pair of binary mixtures of colorants (dyes and pigments) to obtain a desirable shade has become a daily need in the production of dyed textiles and apparel products. Hence, in the present chapter, all such issues of advanced colorimetric analysis for color measurement and matching and quality checks of dyed/colored products of textiles and the apparel industry are discussed here along with the principles of working and design features of reflectance spectrophotometers. A few case studies with experimental data as examples are also elaborated here to understand these issues for better dissemination of knowledge in this field for industry colorists and researchers.