Eastman copolyester resins earn fire safety certification in Germany

Citation

(2005), "Eastman copolyester resins earn fire safety certification in Germany", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 34 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2005.12934fab.005

Eastman copolyester resins earn fire safety certification in Germany

Eastman copolyester resins earn fire safety certification in Germany

Keywords: Resins, Polyesters, Safety

Eastman Chemical Company's Spectar^® and Kelvx^® copolyester resins have been certified non-toxic, receiving B1 ratings with regard to acute inhalation toxicity, from the Elektro-Physik Aachen GmbH, an independent German- based flammability and smoke toxicity testing laboratory.

The laboratory's ratings were based on regulatory criteria established by the General Building Institute, headquartered in Berlin and recognised throughout Germany as setting the standard for acceptable building and construction materials. Spectar and Kelvx copolyester resins have also received the highest fire safety classifications from a number of approved test laboratories across Europe, including an M2 rating in France and a 1Y rating in the United Kingdom.

“Store owners who use Spectar and Kelvx copolyester resins in building applications and in-store displays and fixtures can be reassured, in the event of a fire, that the flammability and smoke generation of these materials are within guidelines that facilitate the safe escape in such an emergency”, said Jorge Cortes, global business market manager for transparent plastic sheet. “We are very pleased with Elektro- Physik Aachen's certification for these Eastman materials”. Materials used in building applications and store fixtures must meet certain requirements regarding flammability and the release of smoke.

The test methods used in Europe are very diverse because each country has its own way of classifying materials. In most cases, material classifications are based on several fire safety components.

The surface spread of fire is one of the most important measurements when evaluating materials. By testing the surface spread of fire laboratories measure how fast the flames propagate. Both Spectar and Kelvx copolyester resins cease to burn when the source of ignition is removed, unlike other plastic materials where flames spread fast and continue to blaze.

Smoke generation, which is evaluated through a combination of smoke density and toxicity testing, is also a consideration in rating determination. The opacity of the smoke from burning material is determined under well- defined burning conditions. This classification is extremely important as it is a visibility measure and can be used to predict the ability of people to determine an escape route in case of a fire. Smoke toxicity testing determines the type and concentration of gases released from a material as it burns. Spectar and Kelvx copolyesters' gas emissions earned a non-toxic rating following German testing.

Spectar copolyester resins can be extruded into a plastic sheet that is crystal clear, tough, chemical resistant, versatile, easy to work with and affordable – making it ideally suited for use in displays, signs, fixtures, point- of-purchase and industrial products, and other demanding sheet applications. Spectar copolyester product advantages are demonstrated through a variety of fabrication techniques, including screen printing, die cutting, solvent bonding, laser cutting, machining and thermoforming.

Kelvx resin is a versatile material that provides long-lasting durability and temperature resistance for outdoor applications such as signs and architectural products. Sheet made with Kelvx resin expands design options, while providing manufacturing flexibility, chemical and impact resistance, ease of fabrication, and superior thermoforming characteristics – all of which can yield product differentiation, cost savings and total satisfaction for both the converter and the end-use customer.