The company will present the benefits of using Eastman Cyphrex microfibres for high-strength paper during PaperCon 2015 that takes place from 19-22 April in Atlanta.

Due to their unique geometry and composition, these microfibres behave differently than existing synthetic fibres, as they process very much like cellulose fibres, the company reports.

Processing benefits

Unlike most synthetic fibres, Eastman Cyphrex flat polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microfibres are said to process well on inclined wire, Rotoformer and Fourdrinier machines.

These microfibres can be run at standard consistency (1.0% to 3.2%) on the wet end, disperse easily with minimal sheer and can blend with cellulose to improve strength and formation of paper products.

Eastman Cyphrex microfibres can also be easily run as 100% of the fibre furnish on conventional papermaking machinery and can be processed very much like cellulose on flat wire machines, a benefit not typically expected from synthetic fibres.

An improved synthetic

According to the manufacturer, Eastman Cyphrex flat PET microfibres behave differently than other synthetic fibres, providing benefits previously unseen.

For example, unlike other non-fibrillated synthetic fibres for wetlaid applications, Cyphrex microfibres are said to improve strength, formation and permeability of high- strength paper products — without requiring significant processing compromises.

These microfibres can also be converted to nonwoven substrates without the processing and performance tradeoffs often observed when incorporating existing synthetic fibres. Eastman Cyphrex microfibres are designed to provide great wet strength, they can be run at standard consistency on the wet end and they provide high dry strength without the use of a wet strength agent or bonding agent, the company reports.

Ideal for papermakers

 “Eastman Cyphrex microfibres are well-suited for paper, pulp and nonwoven industry technical professionals who want innovations that can help them stay ahead of product commoditization,” said Jon Woods, General Manager, Nonwovens Microfibres, Eastman.

“Because technical professionals want synthetic fibres to enable product performance without the processing challenges that often accompany them, Cyphrex microfibres could enable new attributes to allow for more customizable applications in the high-strength paper applications.”

www.eastman.com