Tyvek® gives a more distinctive look to anything you print than common paper ever could. It feels more natural and has far better flat, precision folding qualities than synthetic films. And although it isn’t a fabric, it can easily function as one.

In fact, the physical properties common to both types of Tyvek® make them ideal substrates for most of your printing and converting applications.

Tyvek® products are inert to most acids, bases and salts. Prolonged exposure to oxidizing substances, such as concentrated nitric acid or sodium per sulfate, will cause some loss of strength.

Sheet dimensions change less than 0.01% between 0 and 100% relative humidity at constant temperature.

Tyvek® hard structure products are strong and tear resistant yet weigh only half as much as paper. For this reason, they are very popular in packaging and mail applications.

The physical properties of Tyvek® withstand the effects of water. It is equally strong wet or dry. Tyvek® meets the saltwater immersion test for British Standard 5609.

Under normal conditions, Tyvek® remains neutral. Elevated temperatures in excess of 220°F (104 C) will cause width loss and deformation.

Tyvek® has one of the highest opacity ratings in the printing industry.

Tyvek® and Tyvek® Brillion® are among the whitest materials available for printing with a TAPPI Standard Test Method rating of 94.1. The Hunterlab Model D-25 color difference meter measures brightness, color components and whiteness. The following values are typical for hard structure:

Toughness and flexibility are retained down to -100°F (-73°C). When exposed to heat, Tyvek® begins to shrink at approximately 220°F (104°C) and melts at 275°F (135°C). Under web offset processing conditions the web temperature should not exceed 175°F (79°C).

Tyvek® is UV resistant, depending on style, from six months to over one year. Some physical properties will be reduced if exposed to UV for over one year. UV resistance can be improved with opaque coatings or with UV inhibitors. Styles of Tyvek® containing UV inhibitors are available for applications requiring higher UV resistance.

Chances are good that you've come across hard structure Tyvek®, which is sometimes referred to as Tyvek® paper. The two most common examples are Tyvek® envelopes used by the USPS and FedEx, and Tyvek® HomeWrap®, advertised as a windbreaker for your house. Hard structure Tyvek® has a paper-like rigidity with a smooth slick surface.

If you've seen Tyvek® protective apparel such as lab coats, jackets, suits, or aprons, you’re familiar with soft structure Tyvek®, which is sometimes referred to as Tyvek® fabric. It has a soft fabric-like hand, and with use and handling, becomes even softer and more pliable, taking on a silky feel. Tyvek® fabric has a unique balance of strength and softness. Durable and lightweight, it has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.