PVC foam board is a widely used decorative and structural material known for its fire resistance, moisture resistance, weatherability, impact strength, thermal insulation, acid and alkali resistance, and flame retardancy. Thanks to these properties, PVC foam boards are commonly used in:
- Interior lightweight partitions
- Soundproofing for audiovisual rooms
- Fire-resistant wall materials
- Packaging for HVAC and refrigeration projects
- Roofing insulation
- Furniture panels and interior decoration
PVC foam board is produced using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as the main raw material, combined with foaming agents, flame retardants, stabilizers, and other additives. During this extrusion-foaming process, optical brighteners (OBAs)—specifically formulated for PVC foaming—are essential to achieving a clean, bright, and stable white appearance.
Why OBA for PVC Foam Board Is Necessary
Many manufacturers now use recycled PVC materials to reduce costs and support environmental sustainability. While recycled materials offer clear economic advantages, they also introduce several challenges:
1. Complex Composition of Recycled PVC
Recycled PVC contains residual plasticizers, stabilizers, lubricants, pigments, and by-products from previous processing cycles. Exposure to heat and light causes:
- Additive loss
- Discoloration
- Polymer degradation
As a result, PVC foam boards made from recycled materials often exhibit yellowing and lower whiteness.
2. Need for Additional Stabilizers
To maintain mechanical and physical performance in recycled PVC foam boards, manufacturers must add:
- Heat stabilizers
- Lubricants
- Processing aids
However, even with proper formulation, the natural yellowish hue of recycled PVC remains a major aesthetic issue—especially when customers expect bright-white PVC foam boards.
How OBA for PVC Foam Board Improves Whiteness
Optical brighteners are compounds that absorb ultraviolet (UV) light and re-emit it as blue or blue-violet visible light. This blue emission neutralizes yellow tones because blue and yellow are complementary colors, resulting in a noticeably brighter and whiter appearance.
When added to PVC foam formulations, OBAs:
- Improve the whiteness of recycled and virgin materials
- Counteract yellowing during processing
- Enhance long-term brightness stability
- Deliver a cleaner, more uniform appearance
The usage method is simple—add the OBA during the PVC mixing process and ensure proper dispersion.
Why Choose Grand Chemical’s OBA for PVC Foam Board?
Grand Chemical provides a specialized fluorescent whitening agent designed specifically for PVC foam board applications. Key benefits include:
✔ High whitening power
Effectively removes yellowing and provides a high whiteness value even in recycled PVC formulations.
✔ Excellent weather resistance
Maintains whiteness for long periods without fading or discoloration.
✔ Strong stability
Resistant to heat, UV exposure, and common processing conditions.
✔ Outstanding dispersibility
Compatible with PVC and easily mixed into various organic systems.
✔ Low dosage, high efficiency
Only 100–500 g per ton of material is needed to achieve significant whitening, reducing costs while improving product quality.
By using our OBA for PVC foam board, manufacturers can dramatically enhance the visual quality of their foam sheets while maintaining performance and minimizing production costs.
For technical support or product inquiries, feel free to reach out to Grand Chemical.