"Eastman wished to understand how our polymers might improve acoustic performance in audio applications," says 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 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," says Dan Wiggins, which is also the co-founder of Periodic Audio. "Easy to mold, durable, incredibly high internal energy dissipation, and affordability make products like Tritan and Treva 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 Treva cellulosic 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 Treva.
Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. Eastman has introduced innovations in chemicals for the electronics and semiconductor industries for decades and is a world leader in thermoplastics science and polymer solutions for a variety of industries. This has allowed manufacturers and their materials to keep pace with exciting advances in semiconductors and all sorts of electronic devices. Headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs approximately 14,500 people around the world.
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