The Refined Fluorescent Whitening Agent OB is a high-purity product developed through meticulous refinement processes. It is one of the most widely used optical brighteners in plastics and synthetic fibers, making it an essential additive in the industry. OB is versatile and effective, suitable for a variety of thermoplastics, including PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PS (polystyrene), PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), ABS, and acetate fibers. Additionally, it is used in lacquers, paints, enamels, coatings, and inks. Its good heat resistance, weather resistance, non-yellowing properties, and favorable color tone make it a preferred choice for enhancing the brightness and whiteness of products. OB can be added to monomers or prepolymers during polymerization, condensation, or polyaddition processes, or it can be incorporated as a powder or masterbatch before or during the forming of plastics and synthetic fibers.
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Appearance: The product appears as an off-white to pale yellow crystalline powder, which ensures ease of handling and integration into various materials.
- Melting Point: It has a melting range of 198-200°C, indicating its stability at high temperatures, making it suitable for processing in thermoplastics.
- Fineness: With a fineness of passing through a 200-mesh sieve, it ensures uniform dispersion in the host material.
- Moisture Content: The moisture content is kept low at ≤0.5%, minimizing the risk of degradation and ensuring long-term stability.
- Ash Content: The ash content is maintained at ≤0.2-0.5%, which further enhances its purity and effectiveness.
- Maximum Absorption Wavelength: The agent exhibits a maximum absorption wavelength of 375nm in ethanol, which corresponds to its peak whitening effect.
- Maximum Emission Wavelength: It emits light at a maximum wavelength of 435nm in ethanol, contributing to its brightening effect.
Performance and Key Features
1. Heat Resistance:
- The OB agent is highly resistant to heat, maintaining its effectiveness even at elevated temperatures encountered during processing.
- Its thermal stability ensures consistent performance across a wide range of plastic applications.
2. Weather Resistance:
- It offers strong resistance to weathering effects, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
- The non-yellowing property ensures that products remain bright and white over time, even with exposure to sunlight.
3. Versatility:
- OB can be used across a wide range of materials, including PVC, PS, PE, PP, ABS, and synthetic fibers.
- Its application extends to coatings, inks, and paints, enhancing the visual appeal of the final product.
4. Color Tone:
- The product provides a favorable blue-violet tint that enhances the whiteness of materials without causing unwanted discoloration.
- It helps achieve a vibrant and clean appearance, which is highly desirable in consumer products.
Applications
1. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):
- For rigid or flexible PVC: Use 0.01-0.05% (10-50g per 100kg of material) for whitening.
- For transparent applications: Use 0.0001-0.001% (0.1-1g per 100kg of material) to enhance clarity without altering the base material's transparency.
2. PS (Polystyrene):
- Whitening: 0.001% (1g per 100kg of material) is effective for brightening.
- Transparency: Use 0.0001-0.001% (0.1-1g per 100kg of material) to maintain the material's clarity.
3. ABS:
- Use 0.01-0.05% in ABS to effectively eliminate any yellow tint, achieving a brighter, whiter appearance.
4. Polyolefins (PE and PP):
- Transparency: 0.0005-0.001% (0.5-1g per 100kg of material) ensures a clear, bright finish.
- Whitening: 0.005-0.05% (5-50g per 100kg of material) delivers a noticeable whitening effect.
Usage Method
The Refined Fluorescent Whitening Agent OB can be incorporated into the polymer during its synthesis or added to the material before or during the forming process. Depending on the desired effect, the concentration can be adjusted accordingly. The agent can be used in both powder form and as a masterbatch, providing flexibility in its application.
Packaging and Storage
- The product is typically packaged in 1kg or 2kg plastic bags, with additional cardboard box packaging, either in 10kg or 20kg boxes. Custom packaging options are available upon request.
- The shelf life of the product is up to 24 months when stored at room temperature, ensuring long-term usability and effectiveness.