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Eastman Chemical Company Announces New Thermx Automotive-Grade Polymers

28 September 1999

Eastman Chemical Company Announces New Thermx Automotive-Grade Polymers

    KINGSPORT, Tenn., Sept. 27 -- Eastman Chemical Company
today introduced two new proprietary PCT (polycyclohexylene
dimethylene terephthalate) engineering resins, Thermx CG033 and Thermx CGT33,
targeted toward high-temperature connectors for the automotive industry
    Paul M. Flynn, electrical/electronics business segment manager for
Eastman's specialty plastics business, said, "These new PCT polymers will fill
the automotive market's need for a polymer with higher thermal stability to
replace PBT, nylon 6 and nylon 66.  Now designers of automotive connnectors
can upgrade from these materials to Thermx PCT for applications requiring
surface mount technology, through-hole reflow assembly, improved dimensional
stability or for under-hood applications requiring improved heat stability."
    Thermx CG033 and CGT33 offer significantly higher heat deflection
temperatures (HDTs) of about 260 degrees C when compared with PBT, which has
an HDT of 205 degrees C.  Thermx CG033 and CGT33 offer better cycle times,
about 30% faster than previous PCT formulations.  In addition, Thermx CGT33
offers enhanced toughness and impact resistance comparable to PBT.
    Eastman Chemical Company is the world leader in the manufacture of
polyester plastics for packaging and other applications, including Thermx PCT,
PET and LCP formulations.
    Eastman, based in Kingsport, manufactures and markets chemicals, fibers
and plastics and had 1998 sales of $4.48 billion.  The quality systems of all
Eastman plastics are registered under ISO 9000 except at plants in operation
less than one year.