Chroma Color Adds Analytical Capabilities to its Arsenal of Infrared-Reflecting Colorant Technology for Outdoor Applications
Chroma’s ASTM testing apparatus for measuring temperature rise ensures color concentrates meet criteria for reducing heat build-up in dark plastics.

Chroma Color is now offering manufacturers of exterior products customized color formulations that reduce Total Solar Reflectance (TSR)—a technology that minimizes the heat build-up on the surface of dark colored plastic products. TSR is expressed as a percentage between 0 and 100%. These rates indicate a products ability to reflect solar energy. With years of experience in providing processors with infrared-reflecting color concentrates for exterior durable goods that must withstand elements for an extended period, the company is now even better equipped with in-house analytical capabilities.
To ensure a processor’s color concentrates meet the criteria for reducing heat build-up on dark plastics, Chroma’s technical team uses the ASTM D-4803-97 method to measure the temperature increase. This testing provides useful comparative data on heat build-up of various polymers and color formulations. Carbon black plastic color typically has the highest rating of heat buildup. Therefore, this ASTM test method compares the heat buildup of a customer’s chosen color against a carbon black plastic control sample.
Related Content
-
Prices for PE, PS, PVC, PET Trending Flat; PP to Drop
Despite price increase nominations going into second quarter, it appeared there was potential for generally flat pricing with the exception of a major downward correction for PP.
-
Prices Up for All Volume Resins
First quarter was ending up with upward pricing, primarily due to higher feedstock costs and not supply/demand fundamentals.
-
Polymer Science for Those Who Work With Plastics: Molecular Weight — What It Is and Why It Matters
Molecular weight might seem like an abstract concept, but it plays a crucial role in determining the behavior of plastics during processing and in their final applications.