Ink appearance plays a decisive role in product perception and end-use quality. To meet increasingly high visual standards, ink manufacturers often rely on functional additives to improve brightness and color clarity. Among these additives, OB for ink—a high-performance optical brightener—has become one of the most widely adopted solutions.
When correctly selected and applied, OB csignificantly improves whiteness, brightness, and color vividness without altering the original hue of pigments. However, due to differences in solubility, dispersibility, and system compatibility, improper use may lead to unsatisfactory results. This article provides practical guidance on the selection and application of OB for ink to help manufacturers achieve optimal performance.
Why Choose OB for Ink?
Ink producers favor optical brightener OB for its balanced performance profile:
- Excellent solubility in common organic solvents
- High transparency, suitable for both clear and colored inks
- Outstanding weather resistance and fade resistance
- No color interference with pigments or dyes
These characteristics make OB ideal for improving the visual quality of printing inks, packaging inks, and specialty inks, delivering a brighter, cleaner, and more vibrant appearance.
Common Causes of Unsatisfactory Results
In most cases, poor whitening performance is not caused by product quality, but by misunderstandings of dosage or application methods. OB is highly efficient and easy to use; achieving the desired effect requires proper dispersion and controlled addition levels.
Recommended Application Methods for OB for Ink
1. Direct Addition During Grinding
During the pigment grinding stage (color paste preparation), powdered OB can be added directly and ground together with the ink.
- Continue grinding until the particle size is below 20 μm to ensure uniform dispersion.
2. High-Speed Dispersion After Grinding
After pre-grinding OB to the required fineness, add it directly to the ink using a high-speed disperser for rapid and even distribution.
3. Solvent Dissolution Method
OB can also be pre-dissolved in a suitable diluent, then blended into the ink system to ensure complete dispersion and consistent performance.
Recommended Dosage
- Typical dosage: ≈0.02% (based on total ink weight)
- Maximum dosage: ≤0.05%
At these levels, OB effectively enhances whiteness and brightness, while also increasing the vibrancy of colored inks—without causing yellowing or color distortion.
Reliable Supply of OB for Ink
Shandong Grand Chemical is a professional supplier of fluorescent whitening agents, offering high-concentration OB with excellent dispersibility and superior weather resistance. Inks formulated with our OB maintain stable color and brightness during long-term storage, requiring only minimal dosage to achieve outstanding visual improvement.
📩 Contact us for product data sheets, samples, or technical guidance:
Email: sales@obachemical.com
WhatsApp: +86 13173009832