Eastman Chemical : 2018, Oct 17 - Eastman and DW Designs present polymer audio applications at CanJam

Eastman and DW Designs showcase audio clarity of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester and Eastman Trēva™ engineering bioplastics.

KINGSPORT, Tenn., USA - Oct. 17, 2018 - Global specialty plastics provider Eastman collaborated with DW Designs to mold and test beryllium models in ear monitor housings using a variety of materials. Eastman's John Quigley and DW Designs' Dan Wiggins presented their findings at the annual Rocky Mountain International Audio Fest (CanJam) held in Denver, October 5-7, 2018.

'Eastman wished to understand how our polymers might improve acoustic performance in audio applications,' said Quigley, senior application development engineer for Eastman. 'We worked with DW Designs to test housings molded in an incumbent polycarbonate material, as well as Eastman's copolyester and cellulosic resins.'

Eastman and DW Designs tested each of the polymers for both cumulative spectral decay (CSD) and total harmonic distortion (THD). Data indicated the copolyester outperformed the polycarbonate, while the cellulosic offered superior results, both in terms of clean response and lower distortion. Specifically, the polycarbonate had the most peaks for resonance whereas the cellulosic had the lowest overall level of measured THD.

'Eastman polymers have shown, through my own independent testing and experimentation, to provide measurable and audible improvements in many products that utilize plastics,' said Wiggins, DW Designs consultant. 'Easy to mold, durable, incredibly high internal energy dissipation, and affordability make products like Tritan and Trēva a no-brainer for many consumer audio products. They are now my 'go-to' recommendation for molded acoustic enclosures.'

Data demonstrated that Eastman Tritan™ copolyester and Eastman Trēva™ engineering bioplastic both have superior damping characteristics relative to polycarbonate. Furthermore, expert listener feedback demonstrated that consumers were able to hear fine details better and preferred the acoustic performance of Tritan and Trēva.

About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2017 revenues of approximately $9.5 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, and employs approximately 14,500 people around the world.

For more information, visit eastman.com.