The applications and global market volume of fluorescent whitening agents
Fluorescent whitening agent are widely used in plastics, detergents, soaps, papermaking, synthetic fiber spinning, textile printing, and dyeing industries. The papermaking industry uses the most, followed by textiles and detergents, with plastics using the least. Globally, there are over 15 structural types of fluorescent whitening agents, with over 1,000 commercial products, and an annual output exceeding 100,000 tons, accounting for approximately 10% of total dye production.
The working principle and its roles in textiles.
Fluorescent whitening agents (fluorescent whitening agents, fluorescent brighteners, or optical brighteners) are colorless fluorescent dyes, also known as optical brighteners. They do not chemically react with the object whitened, but instead rely on optical effects to enhance the object’s whiteness. They are white dyes that use fluorescence to enhance the perception of whiteness in the human visual system. Like dyes used for dyeing various fibers, fluorescent whitening agents can dye a wide range of fibers. They act like direct dyes on cellulose fibers, dyeing paper, cotton, linen, and viscose. They act like acid dyes on protein fibers, dyeing like acid dyes. And they act like cationic dyes on acrylic fibers, and like disperse dyes on polyester and triacetate fibers.
The developing trends of fluorescent whitening agents
Currently, the production and research trends of fluorescent whitening agents are primarily focused on the following areas:
① Applying new technologies to improve traditional fluorescent whitening agent production processes to meet societal requirements for high efficiency, energy conservation, and environmental protection.
② Researching and developing a series of high-performance, multi-purpose supporting products.
③ Researching and developing hybrid compounded synergistic products. Two or more components of fluorescent whitening agents absorb and radiate light without mutual interference. This will broaden the wavelength range of radiation and enhance the apparent fluorescence intensity, producing a stronger whitening effect than a single component. Therefore, the research and development of compounded synergistic fluorescent whitening agents holds broad development prospects.
④ Actively exploring new areas of fluorescent whitening agent application.
⑤ Tracking the latest trends in international research and production, promptly developing and domestically producing products with excellent performance reported overseas.
Shandong Grand Chemical Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer and exporter of fluorescent whitening agents in China. If you would like to discuss more about the trends of fluorescent whitening agents, please contact us via sales@obachemical.com or WhatsApp: +8613173009832