Chart of The Light Absorbtion of Various Materials and Coatings

Basics

• This page goes over what materials absorb ligght best
• Used mainly for solar thermal work, and inks
• Some sensors such as astronomical sensors also utilize very dark pigments/coatings

Data

Darkest Black Pigments/Coatings

• NPL's "Super Black" Formulation absorbs 99.6% of visible light at a 90 degree angle and up to 99% at an angle
• Vantablack absorbs 99.965% of visible light
• MIT Formulation absorbs 99.995% of visible light from all angles
• Black 2.0/3.0

See Also

• Charcoal
• Carbon Black
• Nigrosin
• Open Source Ink

Useful Links

• A Video on the History of Black Pigments (From soot to carbon nanotubes)