Properties | History | Future | Applications
KEVLAR® is an advanced technology from DuPont that helps transform ordinary products into extraordinary ones. It combines high strength with light weight, and comfort with protection. Products made with KEVLAR®—from protective apparel and sports equipment to automotive parts and ropes used on the Mars Pathfinder—help those who use them to do more, to go farther, to be even better at what they do.
KEVLAR® is 5 times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis, yet, at the same time, is lightweight, flexible and comfortable. It is this unique combination of attributes that enable those who use it to realize success, to perform to their fullest potential and to achieve their personal best.
This is your glimpse into the world of KEVLAR® . Read on to learn how and why this brand has become an integral part in improving performance in every day life and the many ways KEVLAR® can make an impact in yours.
A History of the Power of Performance
The year is 1965. Two research scientists working in a corporate lab create a remarkable fiber. The technology they developed was one that enhanced strength, light weight and flexibility.
It offered numerous other benefits—ones that could be offered in a variety of forms. The scientists were Stephanie Kwolek and Herbert Blades. The company was DuPont. And the technology was KEVLAR® .
And, because of the superior protection it provides, KEVLAR® brand fiber quickly became the technology of choice for bullet-resistant vests. In fact, police officers have relied on the KEVLAR® brand for more than 25 years because of the superior bullet-stopping power it offers. That power and protection comes packed at an extremely light weight, which provides both comfort and freedom of movement to those that wear KEVLAR®.
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The Properties of KEVLAR®
KEVLAR® is one of the most important manmade organic fibers ever developed. Because of its unique combination of properties, KEVLAR® is used today in a wide variety of industrial applications. KEVLAR® para-aramid fiber possesses a remarkable combination of properties that has led to its adoption in a variety of end-uses since its commercial introduction in the early 1970's.
Fibers of KEVLAR® consist of long molecular chains produced from poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide. The chains are highly oriented with strong interchain bonding which result in a unique combination of properties.
General Features of KEVLAR® :
- 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
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The Many Applications of KEVLAR® ?
Today, the story of KEVLAR® extends far beyond that DuPont laboratory. In the almost 40 years since its discovery, KEVLAR® has played a significant role in many critical and diverse applications:
- Ropes that secure the airbags in the crucial landing apparatus of the Mars Pathfinder
- Small-diameter, lightweight ropes that hold 22,000 pounds and help moor the largest U.S. Navy vessels
- Shrapnel-resistant shielding in jet aircraft engines that will protect passengers in case an explosion occurs
- Run-flat tires that allow for greater safety because they won't ruin the rim when driving to the nearest assistance
- Gloves that protect hands and fingers against cuts, slashes and other injuries that often occur in glass and sheet metal factories
- Kayaks that provide better impact resistance with no extra weight
- Strong, lightweight skis, helmets and racquets that help lessen fatigue and boost exhilaration
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The Future of KEVLAR®
KEVLAR® is a highly creative material...a constantly improving, evolving technology. Jobs, activities or products that stand to benefit from integrating the dynamic technology of KEVLAR® are limited only by your imagination.
We invite you to check this site often to see the enhancements and updates we will be making for the use of KEVLAR® in applications as diverse as personal body armor, personal life safety equipment including hunting apparel, and personal performance apparel including athletic shoes, hiking boots and parkas.
As you can see, the application possibilities for KEVLAR® are endless.
KEVLAR®. It's the power of performance.
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