Eastman Chemical Company Launches New Polymer For Faceshield Applications
Tough, chemical-resistant Eastman Tritan copolyester available for sheet and injection-molded applications
Kingsport, TN - Eastman Chemical Company announced recently that it will launch a new polymer for sheet and injection-molded faceshield applications. Eastman Tritan copolyester is an innovative clear polymer that delivers high-impact strength and chemical resistance to compete with polycarbonate (PC) in faceshield, visor and mask applications for the motorcycle, industrial, sports, medical and military industries.
Eastman Tritan copolyester is available for faceshield applications, marketed within Spartech's ULTRATUF brand. Spartech ULTRATUF FS sheet made with Tritan is transparent and available in gauges up to 75 mil.
"We are committed to providing value-added solutions to our customers," said Janet Mann, chief technology officer, Spartech. "With ULTRATUF FS sheet made with Eastman Tritan copolyester, we are able to offer our customers significant property advantages over polycarbonate faceshields, including easy processing and fabrication opportunities, which support our commitment to deliver the highest standards of quality and innovation. ULTRATUF FS sheet further enhances our product portfolio, allowing Spartech to be a full-service provider of thermoplastic sheet and film in the face protection market."
Eastman Tritan copolyester combines the advantages of traditional copolyester sheet, such as clarity and chemical resistance, with enhanced toughness, heat resistance and ease of coating and fabrication, as the sheet does not require drying. This combination of properties allows manufacturers to meet the growing need for advanced chemical resistance in faceshields while avoiding the crazing, whitening and other side effects related to chemical exposure that can impair vision.
"Chemical resistance specifications are becoming increasingly important, especially in industrial safety and military applications, and any change in the surface of a protective faceshield can impair vision and be considered a material failure," said Eastman's Lucian Boldea, business director, Specialty Plastics Business Organization. "Eastman Tritan copolyester satisfies previously unmet needs in industry safety applications by delivering a durable, clear material with excellent chemical resistance."
Spartech ULTRATUF FS sheet can be coated to provide antifog and antiscratch performance and allows fabrication advantages in faceshields, including die punching, hot or cold bending, and drilling without significant microcracking.
Eastman Tritan copolyester also provides injection molders of clear face protection products with an alternative to PC that delivers superior toughness and has the advantages of better resistance to industrial chemicals.
Eastman Tritan copolyester has launched in the medical, reusable sports water bottle, infant care, small appliance and housewares markets, and offers a new level of design flexibility, toughness, and heat and chemical resistance.
SOURCE: Eastman Chemical Company