Optical Brighteners

Also known as Fluorescent Brighteners and Fluorescent Whitening Agents

Description

An optical brightener (OB) is a special type of colorant that absorb ultra-violet energy (between 300-400 nm) and re-emits this energy in the blue-green region of the visible spectrum (400-500nm). Sometimes referred to as colorless dyes, these “colorants” are often used to counteract the slight yellow cast of off-white objects. An OB emits blue radiant light energy that when combined with yellow makes the object appear whiter and brighter.

Applications

OBs find extensive use in paper, plastics, textiles, laundry detergents, and waxes. They can also be used as tracers and indicators due to their fluorescent property. In this manner they function well as leak detectors and crack detection in metals and plastics.

OBs are either water soluble or solvent soluble. It is important to select the correct version for your application. The use rate varies depending on application but typically ranges from 0.01% - 0.1% w/w.