The new material’s lower inherent residual stress gives designers a new level of freedom to create products with enhanced aesthetics and functionality attributes, as product designs do not need to be limited to minimize the effects of residual stress. This feature can allow brands to differentiate their products at retail and better meet consumer demand for enhanced product performance.
Tritan provides faster molding cycles than many other transparent plastics and can be used in injection molds designed for traditional polymers, including polycarbonate. As the material does not require an additional annealing step after molding, due to its lower inherent residual stress, these attributes may result in significant manufacturing advantages, including reducing energy use, improving processing times, lowering associated costs and increasing production rates.
With a two percent lower density than polycarbonate, Tritan also yields more parts per kilogram of resin, which may contribute to material savings. These savings are extended by the new copolyester’s durability, which can help to lengthen product lifetime and lower replacement costs.
While Tritan offers a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) than traditional copolyesters, sheet products manufactured with the new polymer do not require pre-drying. The durable and lightweight products can also be thermoformed faster and at lower temperatures than polycarbonate sheet. These unique forming attributes contribute to superior material distribution properties and open the decorating window when using pre-form decorative paints, inks and vinyl.
“Tritan is a revolutionary step forward in the plastics marketplace and is a direct result of the ingenuity and technical expertise that has come to be expected of Eastman,” adds Dr. Nelson. “This new-generation copolyester will provide the plastics industry with an opportunity to better address evolving consumer needs with differentiated, higher performance products.” For more information about Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, visit www.eastman.com/tritan.