Gloss ASTM D2457

Specular Gloss ASTM D2457, ASTM D523

Specular gloss is a critical measure of the reflectivity of a material's surface. This characteristic is inherent in some materials and may be a result of their manufacturing process or surface texture. However, environmental factors such as weathering or abrasion can also affect the glossiness of a material. Gloss is a crucial aspect of product development, process development, and end-use performance testing, making it a widely used testing procedure in various industries.

To measure gloss, a glossmeter is used, which references the surface's reflectivity against a standard. The angle of reflection must also be specified, with 20°, 60°, and 85° being the standard options. First, the glossmeter is calibrated and checked with the supplied standard to ensure its accuracy. Then, it is placed on the test sample, and a reading is taken to measure its glossiness.

For proper testing, the sample must be flat and larger than the base of the glossmeter, with a minimum size of 45 x 145mm (1.75" x 5.625"). Gloss measurements are typically reported in gloss units (GU) for each angle of reflection, including 20°, 60°, and 85°.

In summary, measuring the specular gloss of a material is an essential test procedure in various industries, as it provides crucial information about a material's surface reflectivity. Gloss measurements are always taken against a standard, and the angle of reflection must be specified. With this information, product development, process development, and end-use performance testing can be accurately evaluated.