Use of MieLab software in scattering calculations

MieLab software was used to perform calculations of the scattering of electromagnetic radiation by single or multilayered spheres. The scattering efficiency results allowed the calculation of scattering coefficients S_Mie, which were then used to compare the scattering performance of different materials and composites. Furthermore, the simulation results were compared to experimental results obtained from testing real paint films using the Kubelka–Munk treatment for TiO₂-only systems (S_Coat). It was found that S_Mie follows the same profile as S_Coat in response to the change in pigment volume concentration. The MieLab simulations were also applied to two composite configurations, hollow sphere nanoparticles or mesoporous silica nanoparticles attached to a TiO₂ pigmentary size particle. The results showed that neither of these configurations is a viable solution for increasing scattering efficiency of TiO₂ in the range of typical PVCs.