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Nonwovens/​Converting

Flat PET microfibre for stronger and highly uniform nonwovens

With its distinctive, consistent cross section, the flat PET Eastman Cyphrex microfibre is said to greatly improve nonwovens formation and sheet uniformity.

9th September 2014

Innovation in Textiles
 |  Kingsport, TN

Medical/Hygiene, Industrial

New product possibilities are on the horizon for manufacturers of wetlaid nonwovens and specialty papers with the addition of a flat PET fibre to the Cyphrex microfibres portfolio, specialty chemicals producer Eastman reports.

This fibre, with its novel cross section, is said to enable functional benefits such as uniformity, lightweight strength and improved processability compared with other synthetic microfibres. Flat PET Cyphrex fibres are less than 0.4 denier in size.

Meeting customers’ needs

“In just over a year since launching, we have begun to build a complementary set of Cyphrex microfibres for wetlaid nonwovens manufacturers,” said Fred Dulin, Director, Microfibres Platform, Eastman.

“By offering round and flat fibres — in addition to the various sizes of Cyphrex — nonwovens producers can more precisely manufacture media to fit their customers’ needs, giving them an advantage in formulation capability.”

Strength with uniformity 

With its distinctive, consistent cross section, the flat PET Eastman Cyphrex microfibre is said to greatly improve nonwovens formation and sheet uniformity when compared with other synthetic fibres.

These characteristics provide functional benefits in the many applications for which dimensional consistency, within and across the nonwoven, is critical.

In addition, according to the manufacturer, this flat PET fibre provides greater lightweight strength in nonwoven media. Compared with other synthetic fibres, Eastman Cyphrex flat PET fibres are said to enable impressive tensile, tear and burst strength within a very lightweight nonwoven sheet, as well as outstanding green strength. In some applications, these fibres can improve strength-to-weight ratio and dimensional stability.

Ease of processing 

Because flat PET Eastman Cyphrex microfibres disperse easily in water, they are compatible with standard wetlaid and papermaking processes and equipment.

These fibres do not require special shear or agitation. In addition, they allow for easy incorporation with a broader range of fibres than most other synthetic microfibres. And the consistent cross section of the fibres can give wetlaid nonwovens manufacturers confidence in fine-tuning media formulations for desired functionality.

Cyphrex

The Eastman Cyphrex family of microfibres provides an innovation resource for media and component manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers, the company reports.

“As with the larger, 4.5-micron fibre added to the Eastman Cyphrex microfibres portfolio earlier this year, the flat PET fibre is part of our ongoing effort to create and give our customers innovative microfibres that fit their specific needs,” Dulin said. “This is the latest example of how Cyphrex can keep creating new possibilities for wetlaid nonwovens manufacturers.”

Eastman is a specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability.

www.eastman.com

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