DuPont has introduced Tychem® 6000 Tape, a new chemical barrier tape designed to reinforce seams and vulnerable garment interfaces in personal protective equipment (PPE) systems, reducing the risk of chemical ingress in hazardous environments.
Developed for use with Category III chemical protective garments, the tape provides barrier performance against a broad range of organic and inorganic chemicals. The launch addresses a recognised gap in PPE protection, as seams, zipper flaps, and junctions between items of protective clothing, such as glove-to-sleeve, hood-to-mask, and footwear-to-ankle connections, are common weak points. Standard general-purpose tapes offer no chemical barrier and may react with certain substances, potentially causing burns or system failure.
Tychem® 6000 Tape has been engineered to deliver a permeation barrier of at least 30 minutes against a range of chemical hazards, making it suitable for applications spanning petrochemical operations, industrial maintenance, emergency response, and clinical laboratories.
Ease of application was a key design consideration. The tape can be torn by hand, eliminating the need for scissors, a notable advantage when wearing gloves or working under time pressure. It does not curl after tearing, enabling users to achieve a smooth seal that minimises creasing, which is a common cause of channel formation and potential ingress.
The tape’s distinctive yellow colour makes it readily visible during safety checks, even when a protective mask is being worn. Its lightweight construction and reliable adhesion are designed to keep it securely in place across harsh, dusty, or corrosive environments throughout an entire shift, while still peeling away cleanly to allow efficient doffing.
Classified as Category I PPE under Regulation (EU) 2016/425, Tychem® 6000 Tape is intended for use with Category III chemical protective garments, including DuPont’s Tychem®, Tyvek®, and ProShield® disposable coveralls. The tape measures 50mm in width and is supplied in boxes of twelve 50-metre rolls.
Full permeation data and chemical compatibility information are available via DuPont’s SafeSPEC™ platform, accessible online and through the app.
For more information visit www.dupont.com
