
Product Name: Optical Brightener OB / Fluorescent Brightener 184
Chemical Name: 2,5-Bis(5-tert-butyl-2-benzoxazolyl)thiophene
Color Index: C.I. 184
CAS: 7128-64-5
Molecular Formula: C₂₆H₂₆N₂O₂S
Formula Weight: 430.56 g/mol
Synonyms: Fluorescent Brightener 184; FBA 184; Optical Brightening Agent OB; OB Brightener; 2,2′-(2,5-Thiophenediyl)bis[5-tert-butylbenzoxazole]; Fluorescent Whitening Agent OB; UVITEX OB
Application:
Plastics (PVC, PE, PP, PS, ABS, PMMA, POM, HIPS), Engineering Plastics, Synthetic Fibers (Polyester, Nylon, Polypropylene), Paints & Coatings, Printing Inks, Lacquers, Photography Paper, Anti-Counterfeiting Applications
1.Product Description
Achieve Brilliant Whiteness with Optical Brightener OB – The Industry Standard for Thermoplastic and paint coating Whitening
Optical Brightener OB, internationally recognized as Fluorescent Brightener 184 (C.I. 184), is a premium bisbenzoxazole-based optical brightening agent specifically engineered for the plastics, coatings,paint,inks and synthetic fiber industries . This sophisticated thiophene-bridged bisbenzoxazole structure delivers exceptional whitening performance through a sophisticated photophysical mechanism: absorbing invisible ultraviolet radiation in the 340-380 nm range and re-emitting it as brilliant blue-violet visible light (approximately 430-450 nm) .
What distinguishes Optical Brightener OB is its exceptional combination of thermal stability, polymer compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. With a melting point of 201-202°C and excellent stability during melt processing, OB maintains its whitening efficacy throughout injection molding, extrusion, and fiber spinning operations . Its hydrophobic molecular structure ensures superior dispersion within non-polar polymer matrices, creating a permanent brightening effect that is integral to the material itself.
In practical application, Optical Brightener OB effectively neutralizes the inherent yellowish cast common in many thermoplastics caused by UV absorption and impurities . By converting invisible UV radiation into visible blue light, it transforms ordinary materials into brilliant white products with enhanced aesthetic appeal. The compound demonstrates remarkable efficiency—requiring only minimal dosage to achieve significant whitening results, making it one of the most cost-effective optical brighteners available .
Our Optical Brightener OB is manufactured under strict quality controls, offering ≥99% purity with consistent batch-to-batch performance. The product is available as a pale green to light yellow powder with excellent flow characteristics, ensuring uniform dispersion and reliable results across all applications.
2. Product Specifications (Technical Data Sheet)
| Property | Specification | Insight |
| Product Name | Optical Brightener OB (Fluorescent Brightener 184) | Premium bisbenzoxazole brightener for thermoplastics . |
| Appearance | Pale Green to Light Yellow or Milk White Uniform Powder | Fine, free-flowing powder; color varies slightly by crystal form . |
| CAS No. | 7128-64-5 | Verified chemical registry number . |
| EINECS/EC No. | 230-426-4 | Listed in European inventory . |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₆H₂₆N₂O₂S | Thiophene-bridged bisbenzoxazole structure . |
| Molecular Weight | 430.56 g/mol | |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in paraffin, mineral oils, and common organic solvents (toluene, xylene, chlorobenzene) | Hydrophobic nature ensures excellent compatibility with non-polar polymers . |
| Style | Bisbenzoxazole / Fluorescent Whitening Agent (FBA) | Non-ionic, heat-stable brightener for plastics and coatings. |
| UV Absorption Maximum | 375 nm (in ethanol) | Efficient absorption of near-UV radiation . |
| Emission Maximum | 430-450 nm (blue to blue-violet fluorescence) | Compensates for yellowing and enhances perceived whiteness . |
| Tinting Strength | High | Exceptional whitening efficacy with minimal dosage; typical usage 0.0001-0.05% . |
| Purity | ≥ 99% (HPLC) | High purity ensures consistent performance and minimal impurities . |
| Melting Point | 200-202°C (≥99.8% grade: 201-202°C) | Excellent thermal stability for melt processing . |
| Ash Content | ≤ 0.1% | High purity with minimal inorganic residues . |
| Volatile Content | ≤ 0.4% | Low volatility during processing . |
| Fineness | 300 mesh minimum | Fine particle size ensures uniform dispersion . |
| Packing | 25 kg fiber drums with double PE inner liners; 500 kg jumbo bags; custom sizes available | Secure, moisture-proof packaging to maintain product integrity . |
| Storage Conditions | Store in cool, dry place; protect from direct sunlight; keep containers tightly closed | Stable for extended periods under proper storage conditions. |
| Application | PVC, PE, PP, PS, ABS, PMMA, POM, HIPS, EVA, Polyester fibers, Nylon fibers, Paints, Inks | Versatile across multiple industries . |
3. Product Application (Industry Usage Guide)
Plastics & Thermoplastics – Primary Application:
Optical Brightener OB is the preferred whitening agent for a wide range of thermoplastics, offering exceptional performance across both transparent and opaque applications . Its mechanism of action—absorbing UV light and emitting visible blue fluorescence—effectively masks the natural yellow tint of polymers while imparting a brilliant, "whiter-than-white" appearance .
Synthetic Fibers:
Optical Brightener OB is widely used in the production of synthetic fibers, providing permanent whitening effects incorporated directly into the fiber during manufacturing . Applications include:
Polyester Fibers: Used for whitening and brightening polyester textiles and technical fibers; dosage varies based on fiber type and desired whiteness level.
Polyamide (Nylon) Fibers: Effective for both textile-grade and engineering-grade nylon applications.
Polypropylene Fibers: Suitable for non-woven fabrics, carpets, and technical textiles.
Paints, Coatings & Printing Inks:
Optical Brightener OB finds extensive application in surface coating formulations :
Clear Lacquers & Varnishes: Masks the natural yellowness of clear coatings applied over wood and other substrates, enhancing clarity and brightness.
Pigmented Coatings: Enhances whiteness in white pigmented paints and coatings.
Printing Inks: Used in anti-counterfeiting applications where UV fluorescence provides security features; also enhances brightness in colored inks.
Specialty Coatings: Suitable for high-grade photographic paper coatings and industrial finishes .
4.Storage
This product may be stored up to two years in a sealed container. Containers should be kept tightly closed when not in use and stored in a cool, dry place.
5.Packaging
Usually is 25Kg/drum or paper box or bag with inner double PE liner Or provide customized packaging according to customer requirements.
6.Our advantage
1) Provide free samples for testing or comparing the effect difference and cost performance.
2) Fast response speed, customers' questions at any time will be responded to in two hours.
3) Fast delivery: the fastest delivery can be made on the same day.
4)Different packaging solutions: provide various packaging options according to customer requirements.
5)Technical guidance: provide improved whitening and coloring formulas and guidance according to customer production materials.
6) Sample retention or sample mailing before bulk delivery.
7) Providing certificationes, such as Reach certification.
8) Different payment methods: TT LC, etc.
9) Providing door-to-door DDP service.