Optical brighteners are fluorescent compounds that absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it in the visible blue range, making fabrics and surfaces look whiter and brighter.
In our guide, Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate and Fluorescent Brightener 71 are used mainly in powder and liquid laundry detergents; Fluorescent Brightener 28 and Fluorescent Brightener 220 in paper and textiles; and Fluorescent Brightener 184 and Fluorescent Brightener 393 in plastics, paints and synthetic fibers.
The right optical brightener is chosen according to the material it will be applied to, whether the product is liquid or powder, and the processing conditions. Use levels and compatibility information should be taken from the product's technical data sheet.