Estimation of gas fastness

The gas fastness figures assume a typical indoor environment, avoiding direct sunlight.

Although some colour scientists test using an ozone-only test environment, earth's atmosphere contains more than just ozone. In order to test in an environment that is more realistic, Canon tests use a mixed-gas environment. It is estimated that a 3:19:1 ratio of ozone (13%), nitrogen oxides (82%) and sulphur oxides (4.4%) is typical for indoor display environments. Please see Figure 1.

Canon has developed an accelerated test procedure using this mixed gas ratio, with concentrations 100 times higher than a normal atmosphere. See Figure 2. This test environment more accurately reflects the colour balance changes and fading that occur in the real world when compared to testing in an ozone-only environment. Genuine Canon ChromaLife100 inks and Photo Paper Pro are designed to produce up to decade-long archival results in a mixed gas environment.

Estimated gas fastness is made under the following test conditions:
- Temperature (24°C) and humidity (60% RH) are controlled in an environment of mixed gases of O3, NOx and SOx
- The ratio of the gases is typical to indoor air composition (O3: NOx: SOx = 3:19:1) with 100 times concentration in order to accelerate colour fading

Estimation of heat and humidity resistance

Print samples are kept under controlled conditions of high temperature (30°C) and high humidity (80% RH) for one week.

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