OPTICAL BRIGHTENER - LEATHER, REXINE & PVC INDUSTRIES

Optical brighteners, also known as fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) or optical brightening agents (OBAs), are chemical compounds used to enhance the whiteness or brightness of materials by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light and re-emitting it as visible blue light. While optical brighteners are not typically used in the leather industry, they find significant applications in the PVC and rexine industries:

Whitening: Optical brighteners are commonly used in PVC formulations to improve the whiteness and brightness of PVC products, such as pipes, profiles, sheets, and films. They help mask yellowing or discoloration caused by impurities or processing conditions, resulting in brighter and more aesthetically appealing PVC materials.

UV Protection: Optical brighteners can provide some degree of UV protection to PVC materials by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into visible blue light. While optical brighteners are not primarily used for UV stabilization, their presence may contribute to the overall UV resistance of PVC products, reducing color fading and degradation over time.

Whitening and Brightening: Optical brighteners are frequently incorporated into rexine formulations to enhance the whiteness and brightness of artificial leather products. They help achieve a clean, uniform white appearance in rexine materials used for upholstery, bags, shoes, and other applications. Optical brighteners contribute to the visual appeal of rexine products, making them more attractive to consumers.

UV Protection: Similar to their use in PVC, optical brighteners in rexine materials may offer some level of UV protection by converting UV light into visible blue light. While not primarily used for UV stabilization, optical brighteners can help mitigate the effects of UV radiation on rexine products, reducing color fading and maintaining their appearance over time.