Aramid fibers are a class of aromatic polyamide synthetic fibers, built from amide linkages joined to aromatic rings that polymerize along the fiber axis, giving them strength-to-weight ratios and thermal stability well beyond conventional synthetics such as nylon. Commercial production began around 1960, when DuPont introduced the meta-aramid Nomex, followed by the para-aramid Kevlar in 1973, and the Dutch firm Akzo brought out its own para-aramid, Twaron, in 1978. Beyond Kevlar's familiar role in body armor, the aramid class is woven into flame-resistant clothing, aerospace and military composites, marine cordage and hull reinforcement, and brake linings and insulation that replaced asbestos. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Facts
Primary UseSourced to the subject's own accountBallistic protection and body armor; flame-resistant and heat-resistant clothing; aerospace and military composite reinforcement; marine cordage and asbestos-replacement brake linings and insulation. 1 Origin YearSourced to the subject's own account Classification
Material ClassSourced to the subject's own account Connections
Associated With
Kevlar is a brand of aramid fiber
Nylon, Materials Aramids are aromatic polyamides related to nylon aliphatic polyamides
In Field
Sources
1. Aramid (Wikipedia)
WikipediaOpening section
Individual amide molecules forming the aramid chain polymerise in the direction of the fiber axis, lending greater structural integrity to the resulting fiber.
Uses section, body armor entry
body armor, competing with polyethylene-based fiber products such as Dyneema and Spectra
Uses section, rubber reinforcement entry
mechanical rubber goods reinforcement
material-class sentence
Aramid fibers are a class of aromatic polyamide synthetic fibers, built from amide linkages joined to aromatic rings that polymerize along the fiber axis, giving them strength-to-weight ratios and thermal stability well beyond conventional synthetics such as nylon.
View the Source Frequently Asked Questions
When did aramid fibers reach the market, and which brands came first?
Around 1960 with Nomex, then Kevlar in 1973 and Twaron in 1978.
Commercial production began around 1960, when DuPont introduced the meta-aramid Nomex. DuPont followed with the para-aramid Kevlar in 1973, and the Dutch firm Akzo brought out its own para-aramid, Twaron, in 1978.
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