Ultimate Guide to Optical Brightener DMS-X: Applications, Benefits, and Technical Insights
Optical brighteners, like DMS-X, are chemicals used to enhance the whiteness and brightness of materials, especially in detergents, soaps, and fabrics. Their primary function is to absorb UV light and re-emit it as visible blue light, making products appear brighter and whiter to the human eye. Optical Brightener DMS-X (also known as Tinopal DMS-X or Fluorescent Brightener 71) has become a go-to solution in industries that demand a clean, bright finish for a variety of products. This guide will delve into the applications, chemical properties, and technical features of DMS-X, highlighting why it’s a preferred choice across various sectors.
Types and Applications of Optical Brighteners
To understand the specific advantages of DMS-X, it is important to compare it with other types of optical brighteners in the market. Below is a table that outlines various optical brighteners, their key characteristics, and the applications they are best suited for:
| Type of Brightener | Chemical Name | Common Uses | Appearance | UV Absorption (Max) | UV Emission (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optical Brightener DMS-X | 4,4′-bis(2-disulfonic acid styryl) biphenyl | Detergents, Soaps, Fabric Whitening | Off-white granules | 350 nm | 442 nm |
| VBL (Optical Brightener) | Stilbene-based derivatives | Detergents, Textiles, Paper, Plastic | White to off-white | 340 nm | 430 nm |
| OB (Optical Brightener OB) | Stilbene-derivative | Detergents, Laundry, Wool, Synthetic Fabrics | White crystalline | 370 nm | 440 nm |
| FBA 71 | Stilbene derivative, C.I. 71 | Synthetic Detergent, Nylon, Polyamide | Yellowish powder | 355 nm | 440 nm |
Chemical Properties of Optical Brightener DMS-X
Optical Brightener DMS-X, also known by its chemical name 4,4′-bis(2-disulfonic acid styryl) biphenyl, has a molecular weight of 924.93 and a molecular formula of C40H38N12O8S2Na2. The brightener belongs to the class of sulfonic acid derivatives, which are anionic and exhibit excellent water solubility. DMS-X’s core features, such as high stability and resistance to bleach agents, make it a preferred choice in various applications. It is also known to have superior resistance to acid, alkali, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium hypochlorite, which is important in maintaining product stability during storage and use.
DMS-X is particularly suited for synthetic detergents, soaps, and other homecare cleaning products, where maintaining whiteness and enhancing optical effects are crucial. The brightener provides a blue-violet shade when applied to products, which enhances their visual appeal by reflecting more light in the blue spectrum.
Applications of Optical Brightener DMS-X
Optical Brightener DMS-X finds applications in various industries, including detergent manufacturing, textiles, and plastics. Here’s a breakdown of its applications:
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Detergent Industry: It is widely used in synthetic detergents (both liquid and powder forms) for household cleaning products and laundry detergents. The brightener helps improve the visual effect of detergents, making fabrics appear brighter and cleaner. The typical dosage in detergents is 0.1-0.5%.
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Soap and Toiletries: DMS-X is added to soaps to impart a bright, clean appearance. It is commonly used in the production of both toilet soaps and soap bars, where it enhances the visual effect without affecting the product’s performance.
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Textile Industry: DMS-X is particularly beneficial for whitening fabrics such as cotton, nylon, and synthetic fibers. Its effect is particularly strong on artificial fibers, polyamide, and vinylon. It is used to create the “whiter-than-white” effect, providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to finished textiles.
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Plastic and Paper Industries: DMS-X is used as a brightener for plastics and paper, where it improves the appearance of materials and increases their visual brightness. It is particularly effective in applications that require a clean and bright finish.
Technical Features of Optical Brightener DMS-X
The following table compares the key technical specifications of Optical Brightener DMS-X, offering a quick overview of its properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 4,4′-bis(2-disulfonic acid styryl) biphenyl |
| Synonyms | Tinopal DMS, Leucophor PAM, Blankophor MBBH, FBA 71 |
| CAS Number | 16090-02-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C40H38N12O8S2Na2 |
| Molecular Weight | 924.93 |
| Appearance | Off-white granules |
| Water Content | ≤5% |
| Insoluble Impurities | ≤1% |
| UV Absorption Max | 350 nm |
| UV Emission Max | 442 nm |
| Stability | Stable in Acid, Alkali, Sodium Hypochlorite |
How Optical Brightener DMS-X Works
Optical Brightener DMS-X works by absorbing UV light and re-emitting it in the visible spectrum. The chemical structure of DMS-X contains conjugated double bonds that allow it to absorb UV light, typically in the range of 300-400 nm. This absorbed UV light is then re-emitted as visible blue light, which enhances the perception of whiteness by counteracting the natural yellowish tint of fabrics, soaps, or detergents.
In practical use, DMS-X is added to detergent powders or soaps in a finely powdered form or as an aqueous solution. Once applied to fabrics or surfaces, the brightener provides a noticeable enhancement to whiteness and visual appeal.
Why DMS-X is Superior to Other Optical Brighteners
Compared to other optical brighteners like VBL and OB, DMS-X offers several advantages:
- Improved Resistance to Chlorine Bleaching: DMS-X has better resistance to chlorine and peroxide bleaching agents, making it ideal for use in detergent products.
- Wide pH Tolerance: The optimal pH for DMS-X’s performance is between 7-10, which aligns with the pH levels typically found in detergent and cleaning solutions.
- Enhanced Stability: Its high stability under a wide range of chemical and environmental conditions, including exposure to acids and alkalis, makes it more versatile for industrial use.
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Conclusion
Optical Brightener DMS-X is an indispensable chemical in industries where brightening and whitening effects are essential. Its versatility and high performance in detergent, textile, and plastic applications make it a leading choice in the market. The brightener’s ability to withstand harsh conditions, such as chlorine bleaching, combined with its high UV absorption and emission properties, set it apart from other optical brighteners.
FAQ
What is Optical Brightener DMS-X?
Optical Brightener DMS-X is a chemical compound used to enhance the whiteness and brightness of products like detergents, soaps, and textiles. It absorbs UV light and re-emits it as visible blue light, which makes the materials appear whiter.
Where is DMS-X commonly used?
It is primarily used in the detergent industry, textiles, and soaps. Additionally, it is also used in plastic and paper industries for brightening applications.
What is the typical dosage of DMS-X in detergents?
DMS-X is typically used at a concentration of 0.1-0.5% in detergents to achieve optimal whitening and brightening effects.
What is the chemical stability of DMS-X?
DMS-X is stable in various conditions, including in acidic and alkaline environments, and is resistant to bleaching agents like sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide.
Can DMS-X be used on synthetic fabrics?
Yes, DMS-X is highly effective on synthetic fabrics such as polyamide, nylon, and vinylon, providing excellent whitening effects.
What are the advantages of DMS-X over other optical brighteners?
DMS-X has better resistance to chlorine bleaching agents and a wider pH tolerance, making it more suitable for detergent formulations and other applications.
Is DMS-X water-soluble?
Yes, DMS-X is water-soluble, making it easy to incorporate into detergent formulations and aqueous solutions.
Can DMS-X be used in soaps?
Yes, DMS-X is widely used in soaps to improve their whiteness and visual appeal.
What is the recommended pH for DMS-X’s optimal performance?
The optimal pH for DMS-X is between 7-10, which is typical for many detergent and cleaning products.
How does DMS-X work to whiten products?
DMS-X absorbs UV light and re-emits it as visible blue light, which cancels out the yellowish hues in materials, enhancing their whiteness and brightness.
