Tyvek Report

Chemistry report on DuPont Tyvek®-brand spunbonded olefin (instructions link)

Only a DRAFT!

May change/be updated - still in progress - may still contain inaccuracies

Tyvek® is a brand of spunbonded olefin from DuPont. It is special because it allows water vapor to pass through it while blocking liquid water and air from passing through it. Thus it allows whatever it is protecting to "breath" but still blocks water and air from reaching it. One of its most famous applications is Tyvek® HomeWrap™ where it stops wind-driven rain and bulk water from entering the house and stops air flow through wall cavities while allowing moisture to escape from interior walls. DuPont claims that it combines the best of paper, film, and cloth. It is strong, lightweight, flexible smooth, low-linting, and opaque. In addition is is resistant to certain chemicals, punctures, tears and abrasions.

In the absence of sunlight, Tyvek can last for up to 20 years with an additive. In UV light, Tyvek requires another additive for UV resistance. Tyvek style 1073D can withstand 2.6 N/cm tension at room temperature. In addition, Tyvek is not affected by humidity. However Tyvek starts to loose its shape at 132°C, melts at 135°C, and burns at the auto-ignition temperature of 400°C. Thus it is not meant to be used to protect from excessive heat or flames.

Tyvek can be flexed of 20,000 times without breaking and is half as light as paper (0.38g/cc). Mold and mildew can be grown on Tyvek but it will not be eaten by it or introduce mold or mildew on a clean sheet. Tyvek has a neutral pH of 7 meaning its neither an acid or a base. Tyvek generates static unless specially treated. Most solvents do not affect Tyvek, but some can cause swelling. Tyvek to the best of anyone's knowledge is not toxic and does not require a MSDS (material safety data sheet) however one is avalible.

different types

Tyvek® Protection Suit

This means that it can protect many things including people, places and things. Tyvek® can be used is light-duty protection suits for hazardous environments or general, non-hazardous, industrial use. Protection is provided against water-based acids, bases, salts and splashes of certain liquids such as pesticides and herbicides. In addition protection is provided against lead dust, asbestos, and particles contaminated with radiation. The suits are light weight and disposable. Because water vapor can pass through them, the sweat can dissipate from a person's body. In addition, the low-linting properties makes Tvyek® a good choice in "clean room" applications.

USPS Tyvek® Envelope

Envelopes are also a common application of Tyvek®. They offer protection from tears, punctures, and moisture and are lightweight. FedEx® and the United Stats Post Office have been using Tyvek® envelopes for many years now.

Medical packaging uses Tyvek® because it's sterile, bacterial resistant, doesn't puncture easily, and peels off cleanly.

Tyvek® also is used to protect cars, boats, and campers. It doesn't scratch and protects against acid rain and salt sprays by blocking, not absorbing water like cotton does. Thus it is also lighter, even when wet. Also because it is breathable, it prevents rot and mildew caused by trapped water to condense and dissipate. Dirt and dust as well as particles larger then two microns can't get in to scratch car's finishes. Lastly, it blocks 98% of the sun's UV (ultraviolet rays) to protect your car when it's treated with special UV inhibitors.

Labels and papers in harsh environments can also benefit from being made of Tyvek®. For example, a wiring diagram on an air conditioner or a label on a chemical drum or food unit can be printed on Tyvek®. Marine charts, military diagrams, and field manuals also can benefit from the strength, moisture resistance and the ability to be withstand repeated flexing and folding which are provided by Tyvek®. Also Tyvek® prevents the accidental tearing and/or puncturing of these papers extending their lives in harsh environments. ?re-write? Desiccant packages can also be made of Tyvek® to allow the gas through without the harmful solids.

Some types of Tyvek® (Type 10) can be used as filters for submicrometer particles. Tyvek® can resist water, most chemicals, and its smooth surface make it a good choice as a filter.

Tyvek® when covered with a UV inhibitor can be used as the backing for signs and banners including outdoor use.

Much of the utility of Tyvek comes from the ease of use of printing on it. Tyvek® for the most part prints just like paper with offset lithography, letterpress, flexography, gravure, screen process, dot matrix, thermal transfer, ion deposition, digital press applications, and ink jet printing methods. A color match must first be made however, because colors appear slightly different on Tyvek®. In addition, Tyvek® takes longer to dry because it does not absorb water. Heat transfer printing is not recommended. Because Tyvek® can be printed on using the same methods and machines as paper, it does not require much additional equipment to print on making many of its applications possible.

cutting

Outline

• DuPont
• spunbounded olefin
• water vapor passes through, but not air or liquid water
  • allows "breathing"
  • gets rid of condensation on houses
• like paper, film, and fabric
  • can be printed on
• lightweight, strong, chemical, puncture, tear, and abrasion resistant
• used for protection of people, places and things
• list other properties
  • old booklet p.4 and 5
• Commercial applications
  • envelopes
    • fed-ex and usps
  • light-use chem suits
    • resistant to what (?)
  • labels in harsh places
    • a/c outside
  • desiccant packages
• medical packages
• electrical equipment
  • car covers
  • HomeWrap
    • most famous use
  • clean room suits
    • low linting
  • outdoor banners
    • w/ uv protection
• low surface friction
• dimensionally stable up to 270 F or 132 C
• producing it
  • 100% high-density polyethylene
    • how that's made
  • made in richmond, va and luxemborg, shenzhen, china
  • randomly distributed and non directional fibers
  • flash spun
    • laid as a web on a moving bed
    • binded w/ heat and pressure
    • no chemicals or binders
    • change lay down speed or bonding pressures for different thickness
• recycling and disposal
  • recycling program
  • can be disposed in landfill (no chems)
  • enevlopes have 30% recycled product