Optical Brightening Agents
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Optical Brightening Agents
OBAs are employed in the textile industry to improve the whiteness and brightness of fabrics and fibers. They are often used in the manufacturing of textiles like clothing, home textiles, and technical textiles to give them a brighter and more attractive look.
They can be incorporated into products such as films, sheets, fibers, and molded plastics to achieve a brighter and more visually appealing appearance.
OBAs are added to paints and coatings to improve their whiteness and increase the overall brightness of painted surfaces. They function by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light and converting it into visible blue light, which counteracts any yellowing or dullness in the paint. This results in a brighter, more vibrant appearance.
Typical concentrations for Optical brighteners can range from as low as 5ppm up to 1000ppm depending upon the polymer used, its application, and targeted effect.
The main application is in the production of polyesters or for the recycling process of used beverage bottles or carpets. During polymerization, yellowness can be caused due to excessive heat stress or this undesired effect can happen during multiple extrusions of polymer flakes during the recycling process, adding OBAs can help overcome the yellow tone.