Abstract: The invention provides a method of characterizing a scattering colored pigment for use in the determination of the absorption and scattering coefficients of the scattering colored pigment, the method comprising the step of obtaining a reflectance spectrum of a mixture of the scattering colored pigment with a substantially non-absorbing scattering pigment at a plurality of different volume fractions wherein the substantially non-absorbing scattering pigment has a particle size greater than 0.6 micron. Also provided is a pigment characterization system adapted to perform the method of the invention to characterize a scattering colored pigment.

Abstract: The invention provides a layered colored solar reflective system comprising (i) a first layer comprising a first particulate material having a substantially rutile crystal habit and an average particle size within a range of about 0.55 ?m and about 0.95 ?m, dispersed in a vehicle and (ii) a second layer positioned on at least a portion of the first layer, the second layer comprising a second particulate material having a substantially rutile crystal habit and an average particle size within a range of about 1.0 ?m and 1.6 ?m, and a colorant dispersed in a vehicle. The layered color solar reflective system may be applied onto a structure to provide a dark, intense color as well as enhanced total solar reflectance.

Abstract: The invention provides a layered colored solar reflective system comprising (i) a first layer comprising a first particulate material having a substantially rutile crystal habit and an average particle size within a range of about 0.55 ?m and about 0.95 ?m, dispersed in a vehicle and (ii) a second layer positioned on at least a portion of the first layer, the second layer comprising a second particulate material having a substantially rutile crystal habit and an average particle size within a range of about 1.0 ?m and 1.6 ?m, and a colorant dispersed in a vehicle. The layered color solar reflective system may be applied onto a structure to provide a dark, intense color as well as enhanced total solar reflectance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a colored solar reflective system comprising (1) a particulate material having a substantially rutile crystal habit and having an average particle size of between about 0.5 ?m and about 2.0 ?m and (2) an organic pigment having a maximum absorption coefficient of about 5,000 mm?1 or greater in the visible light region, a maximum scattering coefficient of about 500 mm?1 or less in the visible light region and an average absorption coefficient of about 50 mm?1 or less in the infrared region. The solar reflective system, which may be used in a coating composition or as a composition from which articles can be formed, exhibits a dark, intense color while also providing enhanced total solar reflectance.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of characterising a scattering coloured pigment for use in the determination of the absorption and scattering coefficients of the scattering coloured pigment, the method comprising the step of obtaining a reflectance spectrum of a mixture of the scattering coloured pigment with a substantially non-absorbing scattering pigment at a plurality of different volume fractions wherein the substantially non-absorbing scattering pigment has a particle size greater than 0.6 micron. Also provided is a pigment characterisation system adapted to perform the method of the invention to characterise a scattering coloured pigment.