Correlation of Subjective Carpet Luster with Specular Reflectance

The mechanism and evaluation of carpet luster are discussed. Directionality and specular reflectance are important, and a correlation is demonstrated between subjective luster evaluation and the specular reflectance peak from light scattering measurements. The carpet market requires a variety of lusters for different market segments and styles. To define new products, a mechanism for carpet luster and the technology to reach new and desirable lusters are needed. A fundamental study of carpet luster and fiber optics was initiated to assist the development of new products and resulted in a series of commercial products with high &dquo;value&dquo; or bulk for the residential carpet market.