Materials
Kevlar
Also Known As Para-aramid
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Kevlar is the DuPont trade name for a synthetic para-aramid polymer spun into fibers with exceptional tensile strength relative to weight and high resistance to heat and abrasion. Invented at DuPont in 1965 by the chemist Stephanie Kwolek, it became the basis for soft body armor, replacing steel in some ballistic vests, and is also used in cut-resistant gloves, tires, ropes and aerospace composites.
Facts
Primary UseBullet-resistant and stab-resistant body armor, cut-resistant gloves, reinforced tires and hoses, ropes and cables, and lightweight aerospace and marine composites. 1 Origin YearStephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar at DuPont in 1965 while researching high-performance polymer fibers. Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Carbon Fiber, Materials Both are high-performance synthetic reinforcing fibers developed in the mid-twentieth century.
In Field
Invented By
Sources
1. A History of Technology
Charles Singer, E. J. Holmyard, A. R. Hall and Trevor I. Williams, editors, Oxford University Press, 1954
Kevlar (Wikipedia)
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia FoundationLead sectionQuote, Lead section
Kevlar (para-aramid) is a strong, heat-resistant synthetic fiber, related to other aramids such as Nomex and Technora.
Stephanie Kwolek (Britannica)
Invented By: Stephanie Kwolek
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