Kevlar: an extraordinary synthetic fiber

Characteristics of a super material.

Kevlar is a synthetic aramid fiber invented in 1965 by Stephanie Kwolek, a researcher at DuPont. Its main characteristic is the incredible mechanical resistance to traction, so much so that for the same mass it is 5 times stronger than steel. Kevlar also has great resistance to heat and flame.

 

Some of the main properties of Kevlar include:


  • low elongation and high tensile strength
  • very high breaking load/weight ratio
  • excellent fatigue resistance
  • good performance over a wide temperature range
  • low creep and no shrinkage

high abrasion resistance
These characteristics make Kevlar an ideal material for use in applications that require lightness, rigidity and resistance to impacts and wear.

Thanks to its extraordinary properties, Kevlar is used in numerous sectors:


  • protection. Used in the making of bulletproof vests, military helmets and safety clothing motoring. Used as a structural element in the frame or bodywork of racing cars and motorbikes, as well as for timing belts.
  • aerospace. Used to make astronaut suits and aircraft components.
  • sport. It is used in the construction of paddles, canoes and other equipment for competitive sports.
  • construction and industry. It finds application in cables, pipes, reinforcements in technical clothing and more.