Tyvek®
DuPont™ Tyvek® has introduced new dimensions of protection, security and safety in a wide variety of industries, including protective apparel, construction, envelopes, medical packaging and graphics.
Made from very fine, high-density polyethylene fibers, Tyvek® brand protective material offers all the best characteristics of paper, film and fabric in one material. This unique balance of properties, which cannot be found in any other material, makes Tyvek® lightweight yet strong; vapor-permeable, yet water-, chemical-, puncture-, tear- and abrasion-resistant. Tyvek® is also low-linting, smooth and opaque.

A miracle of science from DuPont
The discovery of Tyvek® was a chance occurrence by a DuPont researcher, Jim White, who in 1955 noticed white polyethylene fluff coming out of a pipe in a DuPont experimental lab. A program to develop the new material was set up, and a year later DuPont submitted a patent proposal for strong yarn linear polyethylene.
The proprietary flash-spinning technology, which is the basis for what was to become DuPont's new engineered sheet structure, took several more years to perfect. In 1959, a pilot facility was established for trial applications such as book covers, tags, labels and certain garments. In 1965, the new engineered sheet structure was registered under the trademark name Tyvek®, but it was not until April 1967 that commercial production of Tyvek® started.

FLASH-SPINNING AND BONDING PROCESS
Tyvek® is formed by a fully integrated process using continuous and very fine fibers of 100 percent high-density polyethylene that are randomly distributed and nondirectional. These fibers are first flash spun, then laid as a web on a moving bed before being bonded together by heat and pressure - without the use of binders, sizers or fillers. By varying both the lay-down speed and the bonding conditions, DuPont technicians can engineer the flashspun sheet to meet market needs, such as soft- and hard-structure Tyvek®.

Tyvek® Soft and Hard Structure
Tyvek® soft structure is designed specifically for those textile applications where drape, hand and soft feel are of prime importance, such as limited-use protective garments. Tyvek® hard structure can supplant traditional paper by offering superior tear resistance and lighter weight. It is ideal for envelopes and graphics applications.
A variety of finishing techniques, including embossing, corona treatment (to improve adhesion of printing inks and coatings), anti-static treatment and softening for drapability, allow the product to be fine-tuned to the specific needs of end-users.

MAJOR MARKETS
Construction
One of the most popular and widely known applications of Tyvek® is in the construction industry, where it is used to increase air and water resistance, helping to lower heating and cooling costs in buildings and providing better protection against water and moisture intrusion. The unique qualities of Tyvek® help stop air flow through wall cavities; help hold out bulk water and wind-driven rain; and allow moisture vapor to escape from inside walls. The result is a more comfortable, energy-efficient building with far fewer chances for damage from degradation effects.

Protective Apparel
Today, limited-use protective garments and work-wear are among the most important commercial applications to benefit from the unique combination of properties offered by Tyvek®. Garments made of Tyvek® are either used for hazardous environments or for general, non-hazardous, industrial use. Examples of uses for hazardous environments include protection against water-based acids, bases, salts and splashes of certain liquids, such as pesticides and herbicides. The garments also provide a reliable barrier against exposure to harmful dry particles, such as lead dust, asbestos and particles contaminated with radiation. Non-hazardous, industrial uses include wearing the garments for "dirty jobs" at factories, workshops, engineering plants, farms and construction sites.

Envelopes
The unique composition of Tyvek® results in virtually the strongest envelope available – offering superior protection from punctures, tears and moisture. Remarkably light, Tyvek® envelopes can help to save on mailing costs. Tyvek® envelopes are also kind to the environment. Made with 25 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, they're alsorecyclable. And, for protecting a multitude of valuable contents, Tyvek® envelopes come in a variety of styles and sizes, custom imprintable with any attention-grabbing design.
For more than 25 years, Federal Express has been taking advantage of the properties of Tyvek® for the FedEx® Pak, and in 1983, the U.S. Postal Service also began using Tyvek® as the material of choice for large expedited mail envelopes.

Medical Packaging
An industry standard for more than 30 years, Tyvek® is used in virtually every form of sterile medical packaging. That's because Tyvek® delivers an optimum balance of bacteria penetration resistance, tear strength, puncture resistance and clean peel, as well as compatibility with existing and emerging sterilization methods.

Graphics
The use of Tyvek® in graphics-related applications has seen rapid growth in recent years, and there is much potential for continued growth. Among the first graphic products manufactured from hard-structure Tyvek® were outdoor advertising posters and banners; labels; tags; and schoolbook covers – applications that benefit from its water, abrasion and tear resistance. Today, many more graphics uses have been found for Tyvek®, such as highly durable maps and guidebooks; chemical container labels; workshop manuals; race numbers for marathon runners; and frozen food labels. In addition to its durability, Tyvek® can be slit, scored, die-cut, laminated, embossed, grommetted and sewn, making it extremely versatile.

Covers
Because Tyvek® is water resistant, yet breathable, it is ideal for car, boat and camper covers. The unique nonwoven structure of Tyvek® protects against acid rain and salt spray by holding out more water than cotton, polyester or cotton/polyester covers; however, because it is breathable, it also allows trapped moisture to escape, helping to prevent rot and mildew. What's more, because Tyvek® does not absorb water, it is significantly lighter than other covers -- even when wet. Tyvek® is a proven shield from the sun, blocking 98 percent of the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, and it is specially engineered to keep out abrasive dirt and dust, so finishes are less likely to become dull or stained.

ABOUT DuPont™ Tyvek®
Production facilities are located in Richmond, Va., and, in Luxembourg. The protective qualities of DuPont™ Tyvek® help ensure peak performance in a variety of industries ranging from protective apparel, construction and envelopes to medical packaging, covers and graphics.