Optical whiteners, Britemax, are fluorescents or molecules that absorb wavelengths of dark colors and UV-light. The result is that an electron in the fluorescent molecule is excited to a higher energy level. When that electron fallsback, it sends out a photon; aka energy in the form of light. The wavelength of this emitted light is different from the absorbed light. At any given moment there are many electrons being excited and many falling back; the light emission is continuous. Every fluorescent emits a different color.

In the case of detergents the choice is made for all color hues around bright blue, so our clean laundry looks fresh. Even when during use and wear of the first dirt hits the fabrics, a small amount of the present pluorescent is enough to optically spoil us; we still see vivid colors.

In the case of safety clothing the choice is often made for the signal color orange. For this color, other fluorescents are suited, which mainly emit orange.

The desired optical whitener in paper shows a straight white image. Even when the paper itself is recycled and thus yellow and grey. That’s what we don’t see.

In hair- and skincare an even more subtle play of colors is needed.

This way there is an optimum brighteners for every occasion. And within each application one can choose different nuances. For washing powders Sirius supplies the granular Britemax AMS, DMS and CBS (stable in combination with bleaches) with various strengths of emissions. For liquid detergents Sirius supplies solutions of 10% and dispersions of 33%.

The Sirius Effect

Optical brighteners are complex, typically synthetical molecules. For their function they don’t need to break down too fast. In that case, the optical effect would last too short. Are environmental benefits still to be gained with fluorescents? Sure; Sirius introduces Britemax MDAC; derived from the natural substance Coumarin. Coumarin is present in many varieties of grass and cinnamon. It is the source of the pleasant smell of hay and freshly cut grass. The vegetal origin already indicates that Coumarin is readily biologically degradable.

In large doses Coumarin is toxic, but it is only applied in very small quantities and always excluding food applications. And some of the intermediate degradation products are officially toxic to aquatic life. But due to the fast degradation of Coumarin, these intermediates are only short-lived. They only form a theoretical danger. All and all Britemax MDAC contributes to a fat ECO-mark on your liquid and powder end products.

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+31(0)355485898 | info@siriusint.com | http://www.siriusint.com

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