Absorption Metric
Numerical values representing the relationship between light absorption and scattering provide an estimate of the colorant concentration on a fabric. The k/s ratio is derived from the reflectance data of a dyed sample and is used to determine the depth of shade. A higher value indicates a darker color with more dye molecules present in the fiber.
Formula Basis
Calculation of the value involves dividing the absorption coefficient by the scattering coefficient of the material. By using the k/s ratio, dyers can create linear graphs that show how the color depth increases as more dye is added to the bath. This allows for more accurate recipe adjustments during production.
Recipe Prediction
Modern color matching software uses these ratios to calculate the exact amount of each pigment needed to reach a target hue. The k/s ratio makes it possible to predict the behavior of a dye mixture based on the performance of individual dyes. It accounts for the fact that adding more dye does not result in a linear change in reflectance.
This mathematical approach reduces the number of trial dyeings needed in the lab.
Yield Analysis
Comparing the expected values against the actual results helps to identify issues with dye exhaustion or fiber quality. The ratio serves as the standard way to quantify dye house efficiency.
