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Tychem® SL

Questions & Answers


For quicker reference, a listing of all questions is given first, followed by questions and answers together.

  1. Will Tychem® SL discolor in storage or before use?

    Yes, Tychem? SL will develop a slight yellow tint with age. However discolored product should not pose a problem. The white interior substrate of Tychem? SL may turn slightly yellow when exposed to the exhaust fumes of internal combustion engines or hydrocarbon heaters that exhaust into the atmosphere.  Go to top



  2. May Tychem® SL be used in cleanrooms?

    Yes, but by design these garments are more suitable only when potential chemical exposure could occur.  Go to top



  3. Can garments made of Tychem® SL be used in sterile environments?

    Sterile garments made of Tychem? SL are not available. We suggest users who need liquid barrier protection while working in a sterile environment consider wearing a sterile Tyvek? coverall over a Tychem? SL garment.  Go to top



  4. Does Tychem® SL offer breathability?

    No, Tychem? SL contains a monolithic film that prevents breathability.  Go to top



  5. Is Tychem® SL static dissipative?

    Yes, Tychem? SL is treated with an anti-static agent to minimize static build-up and prevent garment cling. This topical anti-static coating, like that used on other synthetic fibers, is water-soluble and is removed by washing or dry cleaning.   Go to top



  6. How should Tychem® SL be disposed of?

    Landfill burial would be the safest method of disposal, as incineration could pose a problem due to residual chemical contamination from the use application. Discarded garments of Tychem? SL should be mutilated to prevent unauthorized reuse.   Go to top



  7. May Tychem® SL totally encapsulating suits be used for chemical gas or vapor protection?

    No, DuPont does not make vapor-protective totally encapsulating suits from Tychem? SL.  Go to top



  8. Is Tychem® SL available in any other colors?

    Tychem? SL is available in gray for special applications. Minimum quantity requirements may be applicable. Contact DuPont Customer Service for minimum order quantities and pricing.  Go to top



  9. Can Tychem® SL suits be recycled?

    No, these products are made from several different thermoplastic resins. They should never be put in with paper waste, which will be re-pulped. These products are not readily biodegradable.   Go to top



  10. What type of garment should we specify?

    General Garment Specification / Wear Guidelines: All garments used in liquid applications should have bound or taped sealed seams. A storm flap that covers zipper-closure area should also be considered. In the event of a splash or drench, the contaminated garment should be removed and clean apparel donned.

    • Potential for light splash AND no pressure - Select serged seam construction for small volumes of fluids with minimal or no pressure.
    • Potential for moderate to heavy splash - Select bound seams that are tightly sewn and have a reinforced outer binding to enhance seam strength and barrier quality.
    • Potential for moderate to heavy splash - Select taped seams which higher strength and penetration resistance.
      Go to top



  11. Does Tychem® SL offer protection from biohazards?

    Tychem? SL provides excellent resistance against biohazards such as blood, body fluid and viral contaminates, and passes ASTM F1670 for blood penetration and F1671 for viral penetration. When the potential for exposure to biohazards is likely consider garments made from Tychem? SL or CPF? 2 fabrics and taped seams.  Go to top



  12. Should I use Tychem® SL when working with pesticides?

    Yes, if the signal word is "DANGER", Tychem? SL or CPF? 2 may be appropriate. If the signal word is "CAUTION or "WARNING" (only one will be listed), Tychem? QC or CPF? 1 may be the appropriate choice.   Go to top



  13. Our workers are exposed to extreme temperatures, will Tychem® SL get stiff in cold temperatures?

    No, Tychem? SL has been tested for stiffness according the ASTM D 747, "Apparent Bending Modulus of Plastics by Means of a Cantilever Beam". The bending modulus of the fabric was tested at five temperature ranges from -85? F (-65? C) to +68? F (+20? C). The change in apparent bending modulus with temperature illustrates the change in fabric stiffness with temperature. Tychem? SL will have only a small change in stiffness at low temperatures compared to the stiffness at room temperature.  Go to top



  14. Will Tychem® SL provide protection from Chemical Warfare Agents?

    Yes, Tychem? SL has been tested for barrier protection against Sarin (GB), Sulfur Mustard (HD), Lewisite (L), and VX. For specific test data and average breakthrough times, please refer to the chemical permeation test data. Note: Tabun (GA) and Soman (GD) has not been tested. When specifying garments for use against chemical warfare agents, we suggest that you consider taped seams.  Go to top