Bench Top Spectrophotometer Used In Haze Measurement In Plastic

Introduction/Objective
Our objective is to describe a method for measuring the cloudiness or hazy characteristics of transparent colored plastic samples using Minolta's CM-3500d or CM-3700d spectrophotometers. A sample with a hazy appearance changes the optical and/or chromatic attributes. Typically, a hazy sample appears lighter in color, versus one that does not exhibit haze. This is caused by the forward scattering of light from within the sample or its surface. As with many plastic applications, a transparent sample is often used to display an object behind it. An object seen behind a sample with too high a degree of transmission haze will have a blurred outline and a loss of contrast in color. By measuring transmission haze, quality control during the plastic manufacturing process becomes simple and precise. Other applications for this type of measurement include thin film, glass, and liquid.