what exactly is trivex?

**rolandclaur** · 08-02-2005, 04:50 PM

I'm sure that this has probably been a thread on this forum. But what exactly are the chemical and physical properities of Trivex? What is it made up of? Abbe value and index of refraction available? Comparisons to poly, glass, and hi-index? Pro's and con's of it? Any information would be very helpful. thank you

**Jedi** · 08-02-2005, 04:58 PM

Roland,
Here is PPG's information on Trivex.

**AWTECH** · 08-02-2005, 05:50 PM

The basic patented compound which PPG has a licence for Rx lenses was developed by a company based in Phoenix AZ. This company Simula Technologies developed this for military use for heliocopter windows. The repacement cost for polycarbonate and the scratching was an issue and this material was developed. I do not know how much is still produced for this purpose. I know that Simula licensed the rights for Rx optical lenses to PPG and also licensed this technology to an Italian Lens company "Intercast" for plano lens production, they call it NXT. Simula has been acquired by a large defense supplier Armor Holdings.

I believe it is a very good material, however with the relative low single index of refraction to choose from, makes it difficult to use in higher powers.

**mshimp** · 08-02-2005, 06:00 PM

you can pour acetone on it all day long and nothing happens to it! Awesome for three piece mounts in the power range of + or - 3.00 and sometimes a little higher. Will not crack (at least I have not seen any yet.) . NO stress fractures around drill holes. The lens tints very easy.Watch out you may get it too dark. Very light weight.Yes I believe in the product.

**Jedi** · 08-02-2005, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by AWTECH

The basic patented compound which PPG has a licence for Rx lenses was developed by a company based in Phoenix AZ. This company Simula Technologies developed this for military use for heliocopter windows. The repacement cost for polycarbonate and the scratching was an issue and this material was developed. I do not know how much is still produced for this purpose. I know that Simula licensed the rights for Rx optical lenses to PPG and also licensed this technology to an Italian Lens company "Intercast" for plano lens production, they call it NXT. Simula has been acquired by a large defense supplier Armor Holdings.

I believe it is a very good material, however with the relative low single index of refraction to choose from, makes it difficult to use in higher powers.

Thanks for that. I had a feeling NXT was the same stuff but could not find any documentation. One of our frame suppliers (Eye DC) is making frames out of NXT, very cool stuff.

**Jedi** · 08-02-2005, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by AWTECH

The basic patented compound which PPG has a licence for Rx lenses was developed by a company based in Phoenix AZ. This company Simula Technologies

I wonder if Hoya naming their version Phoenix is anything other than a coincedence.

**AWTECH** · 08-02-2005, 10:04 PM

Actually Jedi, you caught me. I must have been thinking of the Hoya product when I wrote Phoenix. The company was actually based in Tuson, AZ.

If I had been correct you had a great observation! or maybe it is Japanese Marketing locating the biggest town in the state the material was developed. I would now like to know how Hoya decided on the name for their version of the product.

**Jedi** · 08-03-2005, 12:12 AM

No, I believe you had the right city to begin with. Most of the documentation i've read refers to Simula of Phoenix.

**chip anderson** · 10-13-2011, 10:51 AM

Trivex/Phoenix is polyurathane (practically the same stuff roller skate wheels are made of).

Chip

**Jim Henson** · 10-13-2011, 01:55 PM

Trivex is ta lens material that is extremely durable. Only polycarbonate and Trivex were the only materials to pass the FDA's IRT (Impact Resistance Test). It is great for drilling holes through and mounting and optically superior to polycarbonate. It also has UV protection qualities.

**bhess25** · 10-14-2011, 07:27 AM

Originally Posted by chip anderson

Trivex/Phoenix is polyurathane (practically the same stuff roller skate wheels are made of).

Chip

who knew that one day we would be using rubber for lenses!!....technology is amazing.

**DragonLensmanWV** · 10-14-2011, 07:56 AM

The 1.60 and 1.67 index lenses are urethane, but I think Trivex is something else entirely.

**chip anderson** · 10-14-2011, 12:48 PM

Poly-Urethane , not a composite of poly-carbonate and Urethane

**rdcoach5** · 10-15-2011, 10:43 AM

According to PPg Trivex is polyurethane with added nitrogen in a 2 step process followed by heat curing

**Mactire** · 10-15-2011, 11:45 AM

I can't tell you the chemical propetries, I'm in a train right now travelling towards my (too short) vacation. I might have more info back home.

I do know that Trivex is extremely durable. Rudy Project uses Trivex in their sportsglasses. These lenses you can literally fold and unfold without damage.

Also, In Holland ENOT is the supplier for Pixeloptics' ultrathin (or something like that) lensen. These lenses are a laminate of 1.6PU on the front and Trivex on the back. because Trivex is much stronger than 1.6PU the minimal thickness is reduced by a third if I'm correct. This is an advantage when makeing rimmless frames. Follwow here for more info http://www.pixeloptics.com/pages/composite.html

For what I know there is only one downside to Trivex, colour durability (if I can call it that). rivex turns yellow more quickly that you can say... Trivex... But seriously, yellow discoloration can be seen after one, or one and a half year.

I'll see what information I can digg up when I get back home.

**gunner05** · 10-24-2011, 10:45 AM

Also, poly and trivex are essentially cousins. Polycarbonate and Polyurethane are both polycarbon chains that produce very similar characteristics, but trivex has some definite advantages over poly.