Fluorescent Whitening Agent VBL is an advanced optical brightening agent designed specifically for textiles. It is particularly effective for cotton and its blends but is also suitable for use on linen and silk fabrics. VBL provides high whiteness enhancement, making it an ideal choice for manufacturers looking to achieve brilliant and vibrant textiles. With its versatility in application, VBL is suitable for both dipping and padding processes, ensuring that the brightening effects are uniformly distributed across the fabric.
Key Features and Typical Benefits
1. Neutral Shade and Good Washing Fastness: One of the significant advantages of VBL is its neutral shade, which allows for a more natural look while still enhancing whiteness. Additionally, VBL exhibits good washing fastness, ensuring that treated fabrics maintain their brightness even after repeated laundering. This durability is critical for consumer satisfaction and brand reputation.
2. High Whiteness Enhancement with Low Dosage: VBL allows manufacturers to achieve a high level of whiteness with a low dosage. This characteristic not only makes VBL a cost-effective option but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with the use of chemical additives in textile processing. The efficiency of VBL ensures that manufacturers can meet stringent quality standards while keeping production costs manageable.
3. Resistance to Weak Acids, Alkali, and H₂O₂: VBL is formulated to resist weak acids, alkalis, and hydrogen peroxide, making it highly stable during various textile processing stages. This stability ensures that the brightening effects are preserved throughout the dyeing and finishing processes, resulting in consistently high-quality fabrics.
4. Alkali-Oxygen Peroxide Whitening in One Bath: VBL is specially designed for alkali-oxygen peroxide whitening processes, allowing for effective brightening in a single bath treatment. This feature streamlines the manufacturing workflow, reducing processing time and enhancing operational efficiency.
Properties
1. Physical Form: VBL is supplied as a solid powder, making it easy to handle and incorporate into various textile processing systems.
2. Appearance: The product is characterized by a yellowish to yellow powder appearance. This visual trait is typical for fluorescent whitening agents and indicates the presence of active brightening components.
3. Ionic Character: VBL is an anionic product, which ensures compatibility with other textile auxiliaries and dyes commonly used in textile manufacturing. This compatibility is vital for achieving consistent results across different applications.
4. Ultraviolet Absorption: VBL exhibits ultraviolet absorption greater than 350 nm, contributing to its effectiveness as an optical brightening agent. This property enhances the fabric's reflectivity to UV light, resulting in a more radiant and vibrant appearance.
5. Water Content: The water content of VBL is ≤5.0%, ensuring that the product maintains its stability and effectiveness during storage and application.
Applications
Fluorescent Whitening Agent VBL is particularly suitable for the whitening processes of cotton and its blends. It can also be effectively used on linen and silk fabrics. VBL is highly compatible with various textile processing methods, including:
1. Overflow Machines: VBL is ideal for use in overflow dyeing machines, where its brightening effects can be maximized for consistent results across large volumes of fabric.
2. Jigger Dyeing: The product's properties make it suitable for jigger dyeing processes, allowing for effective distribution and enhancement of whiteness in fabrics treated in this manner.
Preparation
1. Make a Paste: Start by mixing 1 part of VBL with 2 parts of cold water to create a paste. This initial step ensures that the product is adequately hydrated and ready for further dilution.
2. Dilution: Gradually add 70-80°C hot water to the paste, using a ratio of 50 times the amount of paste prepared. Stir the mixture evenly to ensure that the brightening agent is fully dissolved and evenly distributed.
3. Ready for Use: Once the dilution is complete, the solution is ready for application in the whitening processes of various fabrics.