Optical brighteners enhance your plastic product performance
Radiant colour gloss without yellowish or greyish tinge
People have always judged objects based on their appearance. This is why it is so important that plastic products look exactly the way manufacturer wants them to look like. White should really be white with no unsightly yellowish or greyish tinge. Our optical brighteners ensure that plastic products retain their colour brilliance and radiant appearance. They have long been used for the refining of various plastics.
This primarily involves plastic packaging produced using optical brighteners. Whether in the food, beverage or cosmetics industry, hygiene products, household products or pharmaceutical products: the possibilities of using optical brighteners in the plastics industry are virtually unlimited. Depending on the requirements, the brightener is either used as a brand protection or as a tracer. In combination with printing inks, we also find the optical brightener on packaging labels or directly in combination with dyes/pigments of the packaging.
Reason for optical brighters
Optical brighteners do not have to be applied in high doses in colour masterbatches that are used for colouring plastic products, in order to ensure their optimum effect – even the smallest amount would suffice. Colour masterbatches, like polymers, are tailor-made to the respective end-use applications; therefore, when using optical brighteners in the granules, care must be taken as to whether dyes or pigments are added to the system. As a rule, a higher concentration of optical brighteners must be used for pigmented masterbatches. The dosages in these areas, however, are still very low, so that even with shining doses of 0.0005 – 0.1% particularly bright shades can be achieved.
The effect desired by the manufacturer and the properties of his product determine the use of optical brighteners in plastic products and the quantity of additives used. Optical brighteners have an outstanding level of heat resistance and can be used in both semi-crystalline and amorphous polymers. The decisive factor here is the dosage. If used incorrectly, the compatibility of the optical brighteners is strongly dependent on the polymer and can lead to overdosing in polymer and thus to incompatibility, which is manifested by migration. In order to achieve the desired effect of optical brightener, it must be completely distributed in the end product; this would eliminate negative effects.
By the way, in addition to classic thermoplastics, biobased plastics are increasingly gaining market penetration. Here, too, optical brighteners can be used to enhance colour nuances and give the biopolymer a radiant appearance. Contact us to find out about other options.
Areas of application:
|
|
FAQ
Yes, optical brighteners are extremely effective in removing it. They ensure that the yellowish cast effect is no longer perceived by the human eye.
Optical brighteners can be added into the system in various ways. It can be added directly, in batches or as a dispersion.
The colour index is a common reference for distinguishing between dye and pigment. The colour is also defined by the colour index.
In general, optical brighteners can be used with all dyes and pigments. Depending on the chemical nature of the added colour – i.e. dye or pigment – the dosage has to be adapted. In general, the amount of optical brightener can be reduced if pigments are used.
For more questions read the FAQ
PRODUCT ADVANTAGES:
- Improved basic color
- Increased color brilliance
- Lighter shades
- Cost savings
Your contact partner
Dr. Silke Nicola Trzaska
is an optical brighteners expert responsible for all customer-specific queries and consultations.
Telephone: +49 (0)4141 5292-12
s.trzaska@wthgmbh.de