Kevlar® Aramid Fiber
Kevlar aramid fiber was developped by DuPont scientists researching liquid crystalline polymer solutions. It is lightweight and flexible with a unique combination of high strength, high modulus, toughness and thermal stability. Fibers of Kevlar® consist of long melecular chains produced from poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide. The chains are highly oriented with strong interchain bonding.
Its resistance to chemicals and temperature extremes make it an ideal component for ropes under sever loads in harsh environments, from the bottom of the ocean to the surface of Mars. Ropes made with Kevlar fiber come in a variety of constructions and have been strength rated up to 1500 tons.
Properties of Kevlar® Fiber:
- High Modulus
- High LASE (Load At Specified Elongation)
- High tensile strength at low weight
- Low elongation to break high modulus (structural rigidity)
- Low electrical conductivity
- High chemical resistance
- Low thermal shrinkage
- High toughness (work-to-break)
- Excellent dimensional stability
- High cut resistance
- Flame resistant, self extinguishing
- No embrittlement or degradation at temperatures as low as -320°F
- Sensitive to UV light – unprotected yarn will discolor with prolonged exposure.
Applications of Kevlar® Fiber:
- Ropes and Cables
- Aerospace Applications
- Industrial Applications
- Salvage Ropes
- Tow Ropes
- Orbital Straps
- Ropes under severe loads in harsh environments
- Mountaineering ropes