Skip to main content

Kubelka-Munk Theory

  • Reference work entry
Encyclopedic Dictionary of Polymers

n A theory describing the optical behavior of materials containing small particles which scatter and absorb radiant energy. It is widely used for color matching calculations. The mathematical equation describes the reflectance or transmittance in terms of an absorption coefficient, K, and a scattering coefficient, S. The K-M theory is based on an assumption of multiple scattering, that is, reflectances from one particle on to other particles before the reflected radiant energy is observed. This assumed behavior is in contrast to the Mie Theory which is based on an assumption of single isolated scattering of individual particles. (Colour physics for industry, 2nd edn. McDonald, Roderick, Society of Deyes and Colourists, West Yorkshire, England, 1997).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 599.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 799.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this entry

Cite this entry

Gooch, J.W. (2011). Kubelka-Munk Theory. In: Gooch, J.W. (eds) Encyclopedic Dictionary of Polymers. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-6247-8_6720

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics