What is an optical brightener?

What is an optical brightener? Optical brightener also called optical brightening agents (OBAs), fluorescent brightening agents (FBAs), or fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs).
What is an optical brightener? Optical brighteners are chemical compounds that absorb light in the ultraviolet and violet region (usually 340-370 nm) of the electromagnetic spectrum, and re-emit light in the blue region (typically 420-470 nm) by fluorescence. What is an optical brightener? Optical brighteners are additives. 

Optical Brightener FP-127 CAS 40470-68-6
Item Name: Optical Brightener FP-127
C.I.No : 378
Main Chemical: 4,4′-Bis(2-methoxystyryl)biphenyl
CAS No.: 40470-68-6
Category: Optical Brightener
Technical Specs of Optical Brightener FP-127
Technical Specs Index
Appearance pale yellow powder
Purity ≥99.0%
Melting Point 219-221℃
Volatiles ≤0.5%
Ash ≤0.1%

Properties of Optical Brightener FP-127
Optical Brightener FP-127 is insoluble in water, but soluble in common organic solvents, with the maximum absorption wavelength of 368 nm and the maximum emission wavelength of 436 nm. It has strong acid and alkali resistance, high whiteness, with small dosage producing very good whitening effect. Brightener FP-127 has good compatibility with plastics, high temperature resistance and excellent weather resistance.

Applications of Optical Brightener FP-127
Optical Brightener FP-127 has a good whitening effect on all kinds of plastics and plastic products, especially for PVC, polypropylene and other plastic products. It is ideal for the whitening and brightening effect of artificial leather products, and also be used for the whitening and brightening of other thermoplastic plastics, coatings, inks, synthetic fibers, etc.. Brightener FP-127 has the advantages of long-term storage without yellowing and fading. 

Packaging and Storage
Optical Brightener FP-127 is packed 25kg per fiber drum lined with plastic bag, stored in cool and dry place without direct sunlight. Shelf life is 2 years

 Optical brighteners are often used to enhance the appearance of color of fabric and paper, causing a "whitening" effect.
Optical brighteners make intrinsically yellow/orange materials look less so, by compensating the deficit in blue and purple light reflected by the material, with the blue and purple optical emission of the fluoroscope.