Eastman launching Cyphrex microfibers at IDEA13

Revolutionary new offering

Eastman Cyphrex microfibers provide the potential for a unique, game-changing fibers tool kit. These microfibers offer tunable fiber properties of size, shape and material that provide the wet-laid nonwoven producers with competitive advantages that aren’t currently available.

The microfibers have demonstrated nearly drop-in compatibility with existing wet-laid nonwoven processes. Customers have the potential to use Cyphrex microfibers in such markets as air, water or fuel filtration; specialty papers; and battery separators.

“The technology behind Eastman Cyphrex microfibers and the functionality it enables is unique and revolutionary, unlike anything else on the market,” said Mark J. Costa, executive vice president, Eastman Chemical Company.

“These microfibers unlock possibilities that provide innovation in the nonwovens marketplace by allowing cost-effective access to a previously unavailable size range of highly uniform synthetic fibers. Consequently, we believe these new possibilities will result in breakthrough product performance, quality and value for specialty nonwovens.”

Unmatched capabilities

Eastman has invested in growing its application development expertise to help address specific customer and market needs. This experience, combined with the capability to manipulate the size, shape and material of Eastman Cyphrex microfibers, enables market-changing solutions for an entirely new level of performance.

Eastman Cyphrex microfibers, which are less than 5 microns in diameter, deliver a high surface-to-mass ratio and offer a narrow diameter distribution. They provide optionality of fiber cross-sections in shapes such as round, flat and wedge.

The fiber material can consist of different polymer types, such as PET, PP and nylon, and has consistent properties that enable unprecedented formulations and design flexibility.