What Are Optical Brighteners and How Do They Improve Whiteness Across Formulations?
What are optical brighteners?
Optical brighteners, also known as fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs), are additives used to enhance the perceived whiteness and brightness of materials. They function by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light and re‑emitting it as visible blue light, counteracting yellow or dull tones in finished products.
These additives are widely used in formulations where visual appearance, clarity, and colour consistency are critical performance attributes.
Why is maintaining consistent whiteness challenging in formulations?
Achieving uniform whiteness across production batches can be technically challenging due to:
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Variations in raw material colour
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Ageing and UV exposure
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Incompatibility between additives and base polymers
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Processing temperature and shear conditions
Without proper formulation design, these factors can lead to colour drift, reduced brightness, or uneven appearance in the final product.
What is the Luna‑tex optical brightener range?
The Luna‑tex range is a portfolio of high‑performance optical brighteners designed to improve whiteness, brightness, and visual consistency across multiple formulation systems.
Key characteristics of the Luna‑tex range include:
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Good chemical and thermal stability
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Long‑lasting whitening performance
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Compatibility with a wide variety of polymers and coating systems
These properties allow formulators to integrate optical brighteners without negatively impacting processing or end‑use performance.
Which applications can benefit from Luna‑tex optical brighteners?
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Paints and coatings
Luna‑tex optical brighteners are used to enhance brightness and colour uniformity in architectural, decorative, and industrial coatings, supporting consistent visual appearance across large surface areas.
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Plastics
In plastic formulations, Luna‑tex products improve whiteness and clarity in polymers and finished parts, helping compensate for base resin colour variation.
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Inks
For ink systems, optical brighteners contribute to sharper contrast and cleaner visual output, improving print quality on various substrates.
How do different Luna‑tex grades support specific formulation needs?
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Product
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Typical Applications
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Luna‑tex OB‑S
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Broad compatibility across polymers, inks, and coatings
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Luna‑tex OB‑1‑Y‑S
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Polyesters, nylon fibres, PET, PP, PC, PS, PE, PVC
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Luna‑tex OBR
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Architectural coatings and road‑marking paints
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Luna‑tex FP‑127
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Plastics and PVC products, including PVC leather and PP
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Luna‑tex BBU
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Surface coatings, adhesives, sealants, coil and industrial coatings
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Luna‑tex ERI
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Textiles, films, and polyester fibre dyeing
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Selecting the appropriate grade depends on substrate chemistry, processing conditions, and target brightness level.
What formulation considerations should be evaluated?
When incorporating optical brighteners, formulators should consider:
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Dosage optimisation: Excessive levels may lead to diminishing returns or compatibility issues
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System compatibility: Interaction with pigments, fillers, and stabilisers
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Processing conditions: Temperature, shear, and residence time
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Light exposure: UV stability requirements for outdoor applications
Trial evaluation is recommended to ensure consistent performance in the final formulation.
How does DKSH Performance Materials support application development?
DKSH Performance Materials provides technical and application support to help formulators integrate optical brighteners effectively.
Support includes:
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Grade selection based on substrate and processing method
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Dosage optimisation for target whiteness
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Compatibility assessment within existing formulations
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Technical guidance to maintain batch‑to‑batch consistency
This approach helps reduce formulation risk and accelerates development timelines.
Reach out to ask for our technical support today or Request a free sample today to try the difference
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the typical usage level for optical brighteners?
Usage levels vary depending on substrate and formulation, but optical brighteners are typically used at low concentrations, often measured in ppm. Optimisation through trials is recommended.
Usage levels vary depending on substrate and formulation, but optical brighteners are typically used at low concentrations, often measured in ppm. Optimisation through trials is recommended.
2. Can optical brighteners affect mechanical or chemical performance?
When correctly selected and dosed, optical brighteners generally do not negatively impact mechanical or chemical properties of the formulation.
When correctly selected and dosed, optical brighteners generally do not negatively impact mechanical or chemical properties of the formulation.
3. Are Luna‑tex optical brighteners compatible with coloured systems?
They are primarily designed for white or light‑coloured systems. Performance in coloured formulations should be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.
They are primarily designed for white or light‑coloured systems. Performance in coloured formulations should be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.
4. Do optical brighteners replace pigments such as TiO₂?
No. Optical brighteners enhance perceived whiteness but do not replace pigments. They are used as complementary additives.
No. Optical brighteners enhance perceived whiteness but do not replace pigments. They are used as complementary additives.
5. How can I select the right Luna‑tex grade?
Grade selection depends on substrate type, processing conditions, and application requirements. DKSH Performance Materials can provide technical guidance and samples for evaluation.
Grade selection depends on substrate type, processing conditions, and application requirements. DKSH Performance Materials can provide technical guidance and samples for evaluation.
