Fluorescent brightening agents (FBA), sometimes called optical brightening agents (OBA), or fluorescent whitening agents, are fluorescent white dyes that absorb ultraviolet light in the 340-370 nm region and emit visible blue light in the 420-470 nm region. They are suitable for use on cellulose, nylon, polyester, silk, wool, paper, and other polymers. Optical brightening agents are essentially "colorless dyes" capable of absorbing invisible ultraviolet light and re-emitting it as visible "blue" light.
In textiles, detergents, printing pastes, polymers, paper, plastics, and coatings, the raw materials often exhibit an aesthetically undesirable creamy or yellowish cast. This discoloration can be due to the presence of natural dyes, pigments, or contaminants in the fibers. Even after bleaching, which can remove most of the color, a faint residual yellowness may remain. Excessive bleaching can harm the substrate. To counteract this yellow tint, chemical treatments with bluing agents or optical brightening agents are employed. These agents help reduce the yellow appearance, making the materials appear whiter. Optical brightening agents are also used in the polymer and cosmetic industries.
Practically all white fabrics incorporate or have OBA applied during processing. Commercial laundry detergents often contain OBAs to maintain or enhance the level of OBAs on the fabric, ensuring that whites appear brighter and cleaner.
In textiles, detergents, printing pastes, polymers, paper, plastics, and coatings, the raw materials often exhibit an aesthetically undesirable creamy or yellowish cast. This discoloration can be due to the presence of natural dyes, pigments, or contaminants in the fibers. Even after bleaching, which can remove most of the color, a faint residual yellowness may remain. Excessive bleaching can harm the substrate. To counteract this yellow tint, chemical treatments with bluing agents or optical brightening agents are employed. These agents help reduce the yellow appearance, making the materials appear whiter. Optical brightening agents are also used in the polymer and cosmetic industries.
Practically all white fabrics incorporate or have OBA applied during processing. Commercial laundry detergents often contain OBAs to maintain or enhance the level of OBAs on the fabric, ensuring that whites appear brighter and cleaner.
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