>

Home / News / Industry news / Special Whitening Agent For Artificial Stone

Industry news

Special Whitening Agent For Artificial Stone

The growing demand for artificial stone, especially in outdoor applications such as stairs, floor tiles, and countertops, has led manufacturers to seek ways to enhance the material's aesthetic appeal and weather resistance. While artificial stone offers many benefits like high strength, low density, and corrosion resistance, its gloss, whiteness, and long-weather durability often fall short when compared to natural stones like granite or marble. This is particularly evident in outdoor settings where prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause discoloration, yellowing, and a reduction in the material's structural integrity. In such cases, fluorescent whitening agent OBJ, a specialized solution for improving the whiteness and longevity of resin-based artificial stone, plays a pivotal role.

Challenges in Whitening Resin-Based Artificial Stone

Artificial stone is primarily made by mixing stone powder and crushed stone with organic resin as a binder. While this composition gives the material its desirable characteristics, the resulting stone typically has lower gloss and whiteness compared to natural stones. Additionally, artificial stone tends to have less resistance to weathering, especially in outdoor environments exposed to harsh sunlight and UV rays.

Over time, UV exposure can cause the material to fade, yellow, and lose its strength. As a result, manufacturers have been looking for effective ways to address these issues without compromising the stone's inherent properties. Traditionally, titanium dioxide has been used to improve the whiteness of artificial stone. However, titanium dioxide works by masking the original color through its whiteness, which guides to low surface gloss and a significant change in the internal structure of the stone, negatively affecting its weather resistance.

This is where fluorescent whitening agent OBJ comes into play. Unlike titanium dioxide, fluorescent whitening agent OBJ offers a more advanced solution that enhances the appearance of artificial stone without altering its structural integrity. This whitening agent absorbs ultraviolet light and converts it into visible blue-violet light, which complements the natural yellowish tones of the stone. The result is a whiter, brighter surface that maintains the stone's gloss and original structure while improving its resistance to yellowing and degradation.

The Role of Fluorescent Whitening Agent OBJ in Artificial Stone Production

The unique mechanism of fluorescent whitening agent OBJ allows for significant improvements in both the aesthetic and functional properties of resin-based artificial stone. The agent absorbs over 65% of UV radiation, effectively protecting the material from the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight. By converting UV light into visible light, fluorescent whitening agent OBJ enhances the overall brightness of the stone, giving it a fresh, new appearance while preventing the common issue of yellowing.

Additionally, fluorescent whitening agent OBJ offers outstanding light resistance, achieving a level 7 rating for lightfastness. This ensures that the artificial stone remains durable and visually appealing even in outdoor applications, where exposure to sunlight is constant. With this high level of protection, fluorescent whitening agent OBJ not only enhances the appearance of the material but also improves its longevity and weather resistance.

Advantages of Using Fluorescent Whitening Agent OBJ for Resin-Based Artificial Stone

1. Improved Whiteness and Brightness: One of notable benefits of using fluorescent whitening agent OBJ is the significant improvement in the whiteness and brightness of artificial stone. Unlike traditional whitening agents like titanium dioxide, which can lower the gloss and overall appearance, fluorescent whitening agent OBJ brightens the material without altering its surface quality.

2. Enhanced Weather Resistance: With its ability to absorb UV rays, fluorescent whitening agent OBJ improves the weather resistance of resin-based artificial stone. This is crucial for outdoor applications, where exposure to sunlight, rain, and other environmental factors can accelerate the aging process of the material. The whitening agent helps the stone retain its strength and appearance over time.

3. Yellowing Resistance: The fluorescent whitening agent OBJ developed by Hongyi Chemical has been proven to enhance the yellowing resistance of resin-based artificial stone by more than 35%. This is particularly important in outdoor environments where the stone is exposed to constant sunlight. By reducing the likelihood of yellowing, fluorescent whitening agent OBJ ensures that the material retains its aesthetic appeal for a longer period.