Overview
Benetex OB (7128-64-5) is a heat resistant, solvent soluble, chemically stable fluorescent whitener that provides brighter looking colors. It is used to offset the yellowness of a polymer and to yield a whiter appearance. Optical brighteners create brilliance by absorbing UV light, modifying the wavelength of the light and then emitting the light in a fluorescent fashion. Benetex OB can also be used as a tracer in various applications and as an optical brightener in thermoplastics, coatings, printing inks, dyes, man-made fibers, waxes, fats, and oils.
Chemistry
Chemical Name: 2,2’-(2,5-thiophenediyl)bis(5-tert-butylbenzoxazole)
CAS Number: 7128-64-5
Chemical Structure:
Typical Properties
Product Form: Solid
Melting Point: 192 – 208°C
Molecular Weight: 430.6 g/mol
Applications
- Plastics: Benetex OB is used to impart excellent brightness in plastics, including PVC,
polyethylene, polypropylene, cellulose acetate, polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylics, polyurethane, linear polyester, and polyamides (nylon). - Coatings: – Benetex OB provides an excellent means to determine coverage of either conventional or UV cured coatings. Small amounts act as a tracer which, when viewed under a black light, indicate whether or not uniform coating coverage has been achieved. This effect is especially useful for clear coatings where coverage can be difficult to determine by conventional means. Benetex OB can also be used to offset the yellowness of coatings to provide a whiter appearance.
- Printing Inks: Benetex OB may be used in printing inks to facilitate the quick identification of security bonds, and also in bank notes as a safeguard against forgeries. The product may also be combined with dyes to produce particularly bright shades, especially pronounced in pastel shades.
- Synthetic fibers – Benetex OB imparts a lightfast brightness with good textile fastness properties to PVC and acetate fibers.
- Adhesives & Sealants: Benetex OB is used to increase whiteness and brightness, and is also useful as a tracer to ensure that uniform coverage by the adhesive or sealant has been achieved.
Main applications include fibers, molded articles, films, sheets, clear lacquers, paints, printing inks and synthetic leather.
Advantages
- Brilliant, bluish-white effect that compensates for yellowing
- Good light fastness and low volatility
- Exceptional whitening properties
- Highly compatible with a wide range of organic substrates and solvents
- Excellent resistance to heat
- Useful as a tracer in clear coatings, adhesives, and sealants
- In combination with dyes, produces particularly bright shades
- FDA-cleared for use in all polymers, adhesives, and pressure-sensitive adhesives
Guidelines for Use
Recommended loading concentrations for Benetex OB range between 5 and 10 ppm (0.0005-0.001%) in unpigmented polyolefins and between 50 and 1000 ppm (0.005-0.1%) in other substrates. The product can be used alone or in a variety of blends and combinations with other additives, including antioxidants, processing stabilizers, and light stabilizers. Higher load levels of Benetex OB are required if it is used in combination with a UV absorber. The exact formulation to be used is dependent on the substrate, performance requirements, and other factors, and should be determined by the user based on testing to simulate actual conditions of use. Please contact Mayzo for specific recommendations.
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.
Safety
Please consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) prior to handling or using this product.
FDA Regulations
Benetex OB has been cleared for use in adhesives under 21 CFR §175.105, in pressure sensitive adhesives under 21 CFR §175.125, and in all polymers under 21 CFR §178.3297. Please contact your Mayzo representative for complete details, including restrictions of use.
