Eastman is reporting that its Cyphrex microfibers are able to make high-performing, high-strength synthetic nonwovens on standard papermaking equipment. The resulting products can achieve performance without any of the final product trade-offs that typically come from using a combination of synthetic and cellulosic fibers.  Due to their unique geometry and composition, Cyphrex microfibers behave differently than existing synthetic fibers, as they process very much like cellulose fibers.

With processing benefits unlike most synthetic fibers, Eastman Cyphrex flat polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microfibers process well on inclined wire, Rotoformer and Fourdrinier machines. These microfibers can be run at standard consistency (1-3.2%) on the wet end, disperse easily with minimal sheer and can blend with cellulose to improve strength and formation of paper products.

Another benefit is that Eastman Cyphrex microfibers can be easily run as 100% of the fiber furnish on conventional papermaking machinery and can be processed very much like cellulose on flat wire machines, a benefit not typically expected from synthetic fibers.

Overall, Eastman Cyphrex flat PET microfibers behave differently than other synthetic fibers, providing benefits previously unseen. For example, unlike other non-fibrillated synthetic fibers for wetlaid applications, Cyphrex microfibers improve strength, formation and permeability of high-strength paper products — without requiring significant processing compromises. In fact, uniformity of the novel flat fiber substrate made on a Fourdrinier or Rotoformer machine is similar to that seen on an inclined wire machine.

These microfibers, too, can be converted to nonwoven substrates without the processing and performance tradeoffs often observed when incorporating existing synthetic fibers. Eastman Cyphrex microfibers provide excellent wet strength, can be run at standard consistency on the wet end and  provide high dry strength without the use of a wet strength agent or bonding agent. They do, however, respond exceptionally well to wet strength agents when those materials are used.

In addition to nonwovens, Cyphrex microfibers are well-suited for paper, pulp and nonwoven products.

www.eastman.com