Eastman Cyphrex launched a new and highly innovative range of microfibers at last month’s IDEA13, the International Engineered Fabrics Conference & Expo, in Miami Beach, Fla. It is thought that the new microfibers platform will enable nonwovens solutions unlike anything the market has ever seen, becoming an innovation resource for media and component manufacturers and OEMs.

“Eastman Cyphrex microfibers provide the potential for a unique, game-changing fibres tool kit. These microfibers offer tuneable fibre properties of size, shape and material that provide the wet-laid nonwoven producers with competitive advantages that aren’t currently available,” Eastman said in a statement.

“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.”

At the IDEA show, leading filtration materials developer Ahlstrom, launched Ahlstrom Capitmax, a new fuel filter media for use in fuel filters in passenger and commercial heavy-duty vehicles and off-road machinery using Eastman’s Cyphrex microfibers. Ahlstrom is also evaluating the materials for use in other applications such as hydraulic and fuel water separation. See Ahlstrom introduces new fuel filter media for the full story.

“By using Eastman's Cyphrex microfibers, Ahlstrom has created media for a filter that allows manufacturers to obtain optimum micron efficiency ratings and dust holding capacity without making compromises,” the company said in a press release at the show.

Unique and revolutionary

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

“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 fibres. 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 the option of fibre cross-sections in shapes such as round, flat and wedge. The fibre material can consist of different polymer types, such as PET, PP and nylon, and is said to have consistent properties that enable unprecedented formulations and design flexibility.

The ability to customize size, shape and material aims to offer functional and competitive advantages for nonwovens media in areas such as strength, uniformity and targeted permeability.

“To satisfy challenging industry needs, the technology behind Eastman Cyphrex provides a revolution in microfibers,” said Fred Dulin, director, microfibers platform, Eastman Chemical Company. “Our innovation allows precise, consistent and unique fibre designs that are thoughtfully and purposefully created for varied applications across numerous markets.”

Working together

With an extensive history of working closely and collaboratively with its customers at all stages of product development, Eastman says it is applying its enhanced capabilities in fibres and polymer solutions to help customers unlock possibilities in microfibers and shorten the innovation cycle in media and rolled goods.

www.EastmanCyphrex.com