what is kevlar and what are its industrial applications?

What is Kevlar? And What are its Industrial Applications?

What is Kevlar used for is a crucial question that pops into one’s head. Early in the 1970s, DuPont released the first aramid and organic fibre with great strength under the brand name Kevlar 29. It was created to substitute for steel in radial tires and is known to have five times the tensile strength of steel. The breakthrough made it possible to create flexible body armour that is bulletproof. The second generation of Kevlar fibre, which gives ballistic protection against 9mm FMJ, was created in 1988.

KEVLAR is an aramid fibre that is widely available and has a superior heat resistance and high stiffness in comparison to other aramid variations like Nomex. In order to replace steel in racing tires, DuPont originally developed KEVLAR fibre in 1970. It is frequently offered to students in grades K-29, K-100, K-119, and so on.

What exactly is Kevlar?

Para-aramid, or poly para-phenylene terephthalamide (PPD-T), is the generic name for Kevlar. The benzene rings that give the structure its great thermal stability are combined with para substitutions that give it a high modulus and level of strength. Extrusion of fibre filaments occurs during the spinning of the precursor. High anisotropy is present in the Kelvar para-aramid structure that is extruded in the form of rods. In the axial direction, strength and stiffness are higher, while in the transverse direction, they are lower.

Applications of KEVLAR

Because of their extraordinary and distinctive qualities, these fibres can be used in a wide range of applications. These uses span from high-performance structural composites in airplane components, boat hulls, and high-performance automobiles to premium sports products and deep-sea umbilical lines. The strong and thermally stable fibres are utilized to create lightweight body armour that is resistant to bullets, and because they are lighter than heavier materials, they can also be employed in airplanes to reduce fuel consumption. Baxter, a Clemson University graduate with a degree in textile engineering, researched the use of textiles and created a pair of 100% Kevlar denim jeans called Draggin’ Jeans.

The strong and thermally stable fibres are utilized to create lightweight body armour that is resistant to bullets, and because they are lighter than heavier materials, they can also be employed in airplanes to reduce fuel consumption. Baxter, a Clemson University graduate with a degree in textile engineering, researched the use of textiles and created a pair of 100% Kevlar denim jeans called Draggin’ Jeans.

The following is a list of the various applications:

  • Defence and ballistics
  • Composites used in aircraft structural components
  • Automotive heating and cooling system belts and hoses
  • Cables that are electromechanical and fiber optic
  • Gaskets and friction materials
  • Sealants and adhesives
  • Protective gear for vehicles and aircraft