Eastman Chemical Company introduces Eastman TRĒVA, a cellulose-based thermoplastic that reportedly offers high performance and sustainability. TRĒVA’s composition is about half cellulose, sourced from trees derived exclusively from sustainably managed forests that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), according to Eastman. The new material is BPA-free and phthalate-free. Its flow rates, durability and dimensional stability allow for less material usage, thinner parts and longer product life, enhancing lifecycle assessments, says the company.
According to Eastman, TRĒVA stands up better than other engineering thermoplastics to some of the harshest chemicals, including skin oils, sunscreens and household cleaners. The material’s low birefringence means eliminating the unwelcomed rainbow effect some plastics experience with polarized light, improving the user experience with electronic device screens and retail displays.
TREVA’s flow characteristics also enable design freedom, reportedly allowing it to be used with complicated designs and in filling thin parts. Under recommended processing conditions, recent thin-wall 30 mil spiral flow testing shows that TRĒVA flow rates are significantly better than polycarbonate and polycarbonate/ABS blends, and comparable to ABS, according to the company.
TRĒVA’s applications include:
● Eyeglass frames, wearable electronics, headphones, and many other personal devices that come in direct contact with the skin;
● Electronic display applications, such as lenses and covers, that consumers need to see through;
● Electronics, housings, intricate cosmetics cases, and other products with high design and complex specifications;
● Automotive interior components wherein chemical resistance and aesthetics are desired;
● Other demanding applications with high sustainability and safety requirements.
For more information, visit: www.eastman.com
