KINGSPORT, Tennessee, August 26, 2010 — Eastman Chemical Company announced today 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.
About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman’s chemicals, fibers and plastics are used as key ingredients in products that people use every day. Approximately 10,000 Eastman employees around the world blend technical expertise and innovation to deliver practical solutions. The company is committed to finding sustainable business opportunities within the diverse markets it serves. A global company headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, Eastman had 2009 sales of $5 billion. For more information about Eastman and its products, visit www.eastman.com.
About Spartech
Spartech Corporation is a leading producer of engineered thermoplastic sheet materials, thermoformed packaging, polymeric compounds and concentrates, and engineered product solutions. With annual sales of $1 billion, the company operates facilities throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe.