Materials, collaborations and expertise contribute to advanced medical devices and systems

Kingsport, Tenn., USA - Feb. 9, 2016 - Eastman Chemical Company has a portfolio of offerings that are ideal for medical use, contributing important features that are shaping the future of medical technology. Beyond the company's products, Eastman's experts and resources are available at every stage of the development and manufacturing process for continuous support and guidance, helping meet the growing needs for device and system improvements in the medical industry.

Eastman is highlighting its key medical market offerings at the Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West trade show in Anaheim, California, Feb. 9 to 11. These advanced materials - Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, Eastalite™ copolyester, Eastman Eastar™ 6763, Eastman Tritan™ MP100 and Eastman 168™ SG non-phthalate plasticizer - can make lasting improvements to medical devices, packaging and systems. Eastman's knowledgeable experts, high-level resources and collaborations with industry leaders ensure customers have the knowledge needed to produce the best product possible with intended results.

Advancements Create New Possibilities for Medical Devices
The medical industry is seeking devices, packaging and systems that have lasting reliability and proven patient safety to support the aging population, technological advances and new medical protocols. Although aggressive disinfectants and advanced sterilization methods have created a healthier hospital environment, they are causing environmental stress cracking, hazing and unwanted color changes in materials.

Eastman's polymers provide the toughness, clarity and chemical compatibility needed in medical devices. Advanced medicines like oncology drugs and carrier solvents are challenging the chemical resistance of polymers used in delivery devices. Eastman Tritan™ copolyester MXF121 is an opaque polymer that offers excellent chemical resistance, sterilization stability and toughness in hand-held and other electronic medical device housings. Tritan MXF121 can withstand rigorous use and disinfectants, while offering increased durability and product failure reductions. With Eastman's Color Technology Center, Tritan also can be manufactured to meet branding requirements with custom colors.

Eastman's packaging portfolio includes Eastman Eastar™ 6763, an established material with superior functionality in processing, including film and sheet extrusion. As part of the rigid medical packaging portfolio, Eastalite™ copolyester launched at MD&M West in 2014 as the company's first opaque offering. Eastalite meets the medical industry's need for a sustainable, lightweight rigid medical packaging that is easier to process and a less brittle alternative to high impact polystyrene. Eastman's third option for rigid medical packaging is Eastman Tritan™ MP100, which helps address the most rigorous fit-for-use criteria for device protection by providing toughness and excellent performance, even under extreme temperature conditions. These materials provide innovative solutions for protective and functional rigid medical packaging, as well as non-implantable medical devices, flexible packaging and labware.

Eastman™ plasticizers advance the durability and longevity of a variety of medical-related products. They provide good fusion profiles, excellent low-temperature flexibility, and notable heat stability for both general-purpose and specialty applications. Understanding the role that regulatory trends play in this market, Eastman's experts have recently published new information regarding the use of solvent bonding for medical applications. The tests explored the stability of flexible PVC tubing made with Eastman 168™ SG non-phthalate plasticizer and tubing made with DEHP when bonded with a variety of medical plastics and solvents. This data emphasizes the importance that material choice plays in the strength of bond when comparing the role of the plastic, the solvent and the tubing used in sensitive applications.

Resources Made Available to Support Quality End Products
Eastman makes resources easily available, so its customers have access to expert opinions and information at all times. Advanced information on Eastman's polymers and plasticizers can be found through webinars and white papers, accessible on Eastman's website.

Eastman also created www.TritanMoldIt.com to help molders have a direct resource for processing solutions, and sharing knowledge and experiences. An expert is available to answer questions within 24 hours, and the site provides technical expertise in injection molding with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester to medical applications and devices.

To learn more about Eastman's medical market offerings, its improvements to the performance and patient safety in medical devices, and the plasticizers solvent bonding data, visit Booth 2407 during MD&M West.

About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman is a global specialty chemical 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 approximately 100 countries and had 2014 revenues of approximately $9.5 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 15,000 people around the world.

For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

Eastman Chemical Company issued this content on 09 February 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 09 February 2016 12:57:22 UTC

Original Document: http://www.eastman.com/Company/News_Center/2015/Pages/Eastman-Showcases-Evolved-Medical-Offerings-at-MDM.aspx