Kingsport, Tenn. (Aug 9, 2007) -- Eastman Chemical Company announces its new specialized product portfolio of performance additives and specialty polymers for thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds.
Engineered to improve the appearance, performance, and processing of TPEs, the nine Eastman Performance Additives and Polymers offer targeted results based on desired end-use or processing benefits.
“Consumers are increasingly purchasing a wide variety of personal care, automotive, food preparation, and office-supply products with TPEs,” says Eastman’s Carol Perkins, market development manager, Polymer Modification Solutions. “Eastman is committed to not only meeting but exceeding the performance, aesthetic, and processing needs of this growing marketplace.”
Eastman has invested in the creation of a dedicated sales, engineering and technical staff to support its entry into the growing TPE market. Most recently, Eastman conducted a technical webinar with noted industry expert Rob Banning of Trimax LLC.
Used singularly or in combination, Eastman Performance Additives and Polymers are engineered to impart improvements in elasticity, compression set, and mechanical properties. In addition, Eastman additives offer benefits such as improved viscosity management, improved bondability with substrates, improved compatibility with feedstocks/fillers, higher tear strength, and resistance to a broad range of chemicals.
Performance additives are sold under the brand names Endex, Kristalex, Piccotex, Plastolyn, Regalite, Regalrez, Eastotac and Eastoflex. Rounding out the product portfolio is the specialty polymer Eastman AP Elastomer.
TPE is widely specified for “soft-touch” applications including pens, tool and utensil grips, cellular phones, automotive gear shifts, and an increasingly large product portfolio across markets.