Brief analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of brightener OB

21 Jul.,2025

 

Brief analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of brightener OB

The chemical market is destined to be an extraordinary year in . Take the additives. Brightener OB is a general-purpose brightener used mainly for the whitening of plastic products and paint inks. For the application of paint and ink, I believe that there will not be too many doubts, because at present, the whitening agent that can be used for paint and ink can only be the whitening agent ob, because its large solubility. However, for the whitening auxiliaries of plastic products, we may have many questions, because there are many models of whitening auxiliaries that said can be used for whitening of plastic products, and the price of OB is usually higher than others . Since there are many low-priced auxiliaries that can also be used for whitening plastic products, why not choose a low price? This requires understanding the advantages and disadvantages of other auxiliaries and brighteners ob to better understand.

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In the case of paint, it is first required that the solubility of the auxiliary agent is large, and there should be no impurities and precipitation, so that the effect of whitening the paint can be good, and no particle phenomenon will occur after use. Looking at the category of brighteners, only the brightener OB has a high solubility, and the high can reach 6%. Other brighteners will  cause turbidity and impurities after use .

For plastics, most manufacturers choose traditional OB-1, 127 and other products. These products are usable, and the whiteness is relatively good, but after one month of actual application, add OB-1, 127 in the products of additives, the particles will appear yellowing, which will affect the appearance of the product. Some professional manufacturers still choose OB because of its good stability, high whiteness value, good permeability in granulation, and downstream customers do not affect transparency when using granules.

Good products certainly have shortcomings, that is expensive, but if you are an agent for brightener OB and are looking for a good value for money production supplier, you can find Henan Ruiqite, we can give the corresponding preferential policies according to the size of your order and your customer .

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Optical Brightening vs. Bleaching Agent: What Are The Diffences?

Optical brightening and bleaching agents are two powerful allies that create whiteness and brightness for products. They are commonly used in laundry detergents, textiles, and paper products. Yet, they have distinctly different mechanisms, leading to different effects on the material's visual appeal and longevity. 

This article will provide in-depth insight into these two substances and help you decide which one is suitable for your needs.

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1. What is an Optical Brightening Agent (OBA)?

Optical brightening agents (OBAs) or Fluorescent brightening agents (FBAs) are chemical substances that provide a whitening effect by re-emitting blue light after absorbing ultraviolet and violet light.

Optical brightening agent

Based on the quantity of sulfonic groups, OBAs are divided into three categories. 

  • Disulfonated optical brightening agents consist of two hydrophobic sulfonic groups, making them low solubility and typically used in wet-end applications. 
  • Tetrasulfonated types are perfect for both wet and dry end applications since they have a medium affinity and strong solubility due to their four sulfonic groups.
  • Due to their exceptional solubility, hexane sulfonate OBAs—which are composed of six sulfonic groups—are frequently utilized in dry-end coating for regions that demand great brightness. 

Detergent whitener, paper brightening, fiber whitening in plastic materials, textile whitening, and color-correcting ingredients in sophisticated cosmetic formulas are a few of the uses for optical brightening agents. They provide detergents with their whitening properties, make paper whiter, keep clothes bright, and improve the look of fabric finishes. They are also employed in polymeric products to whiten their fibers.

2. What is a Bleaching Agent?

A bleaching agent is a material that uses chemical reactions, usually oxidative or reductive ones, to lighten or whiten a substrate.  By removing or altering chromophoric groups and breaking down color bodies into smaller, soluble components, these processes weaken color systems. 

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Bleaching agent

Common bleaching agents include chlorine and related compounds, as well as peroxygen bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate, reducing bleaches and enzymes. The most economical and efficient disinfectants are bleaching agents that contain chlorine; several of these agents are most commonly used for water disinfection. 

Bleaching chemicals are frequently used to whiten and remove stains in laundry, to obtain desirable color levels and prepare materials for dyeing, and to whiten and increase the brightness of paper products. 

3. Key Differences Between OBAs and Bleaching Agents

The table below shows how  optical brightening and bleaching agents are different: Optical brightening agent  Bleaching agent  Mechanism  Optical brighteners are complex chemical compounds that absorb UV photons and release blue light to counteract the yellow light in a substance and make it appear extremely white to the naked eye. In order to enhance the product's whiteness under sunlight, it transforms the invisible ultraviolet radiation into purple-blue fluorescent radiation, which improves the original yellow radiation.  Bleaching agents use oxidation-reduction processes to change colored molecules into colorless ones, eliminating or lightening the color. They have antiseptic properties, consume food's oxygen, destroy food oxidase and colorants, and cause or prevent food browning pigmentation.  Durability  OBAs often retain their impact over time and during washings.  Bleaching chemicals can cause materials to fade and degrade  Functions and applications  OBAs are mainly employed for aesthetic improvement.  They are used for both stain removal and whitening.  Environmental Impact  Optical brightening agents are considered safer and more ecologically friendly.  Bleaching agents,  especially chlorine bleach, are usually less environmentally friendly.  

OBAs 

4. Factors To Consider When Choosing Between OBAs and Bleaching Agents

Each agent has its own pros and cons. Choosing which one for your products depends on several factors. Here's a guideline for your decision:

  • Material type

If you want to use them for fabric, you should consider if the material is delicate or robust. OBAs are a safer choice for the former (such as wool or silk), while a bleaching agent might be required for the latter (such as cotton).

On the other hand, the grade and type of paper will define whether OBAs or bleaching agents are more suitable for paper applications.

  • Target goal

Optical brightening agents are perfect if your purpose is to increase brightness without changing the underlying color. Bleach is more effective when it comes to removing stains or substantial color.

  • Longevity

OBAs deliver a bright impact that lasts for a long time. Meanwhile,  bleaching may produce effects immediately away; it can eventually cause fading.

  • The use of the application

Laundry detergent 

Optical brightening agents might be perfect for regularly washed textiles to preserve brightness without causing fiber damage. On the other hand, bleaching chemicals can be required for industrial applications demanding cleanliness.

  • Environmental impact

OBAs are more eco-friendly than traditional chlorine bleach. Thus, go for this option if you prioritize sustainability.

  • Cost

OBAs and bleaching chemicals can have different prices, with OBAs having longer-lasting benefits and perhaps making up for earlier expenditures. 

5. Conclusion

The decision between optical brightening and bleaching agents hinges on various factors. In short, OBAs provide a long-lasting, safe brightness boost, while bleaching chemicals effectively remove stains and change color. By weighing elements, such as material type, desired effects, and environmental impact, users can choose a substance that can ensure visual appeal and material integrity for their products. 

6. About EuroPlas' Optical Brightener Additive

EuroPlas' Optical Brightener Additive is an ideal option to improve the whiteness and brightness of many resins, including polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS, PET, and PA. By ensuring that final goods meet aesthetic standards, our product can increase customer satisfaction.  
Optical Brightener Additive

They are appropriate for a variety of sectors since they work well with a broad variety of resin types. By eliminating the need for extra finishing steps, they also increase processing efficiency while conserving time and resources. 

Furthermore, our product is long-lasting and continues to function well even after being exposed to environmental conditions, light, and washing, guaranteeing the visual attractiveness of the product for the duration of its lifespan.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Optical Brightener OB.