Description of Kevlar thread: its composition, properties, types and main areas of application

The material known for its remarkable strength and durability is called Kevlar thread. Though this thread is frequently linked to bulletproof vests and high-performance equipment, it is far more adaptable than it might initially appear.

Kevlar thread, which is made of aramid fibers, has special qualities like low stretch, high tensile strength, and heat resistance. Due to these characteristics, it is a crucial part of many applications, ranging from industrial applications to protective clothes.

Knowing the various varieties of Kevlar thread and their applications can help explain why this material is so highly regarded across a range of industries.

Aspect Description
Composition Kevlar thread is made from aramid fibers, which are known for their high strength and durability.
Properties This thread is lightweight, heat-resistant, and incredibly strong, making it ideal for demanding applications.
Types Kevlar threads come in various forms, including twisted, braided, and core-spun, each suited for specific uses.
Main Areas of Application Kevlar thread is commonly used in protective clothing, aerospace, automotive, and military equipment due to its toughness and resilience.

An amazing material with exceptional strength, durability, and heat resistance is kevlar thread. It is made of synthetic fibers and comes in a variety of types, each designed for a particular purpose. Kevlar thread is an essential component of industrial applications and protective apparel because it ensures performance and safety in a variety of settings.

Description of the method of obtaining and composition of Kevlar thread

Kevlar is thought to have been invented in 1964. At that time, Stephanie Kwolek led a team of chemists from the American company DuPont who were searching for a way to substitute lighter polyaramid threads for the metal cord found in car tires. Drivers could save a lot of fuel by doing this.

Stephanie Kwolek was able to devise a sophisticated technological procedure for producing a novel fiber. The following phases are part of it:

  1. At low temperatures, a solution of calcium chloride and methylpyrrolidone is created.
  2. Reagents are mixed into it. A liquid crystal substance is obtained.
  3. The mixture is actively stirred.
  4. Polyaramid threads are obtained by squeezing the solution through thin holes – spinnerets. The method is called extrusion.
  5. The fibers are fed into a precipitation bath, then washed and dried.

It turned out that the Kevlar thread stretched nicely and was incredibly strong. Scientists even determined that their measuring apparatus was defective during testing. They did, however, eventually acknowledge Stephanie Kwolek’s idea’s validity.

DuPont made a concerted effort to enhance the material’s properties in the 1940s and 1960s. The industrial production of Kevlar thread started in 1975. Later, comparable synthetic fibers known as Tavron and SVM were developed in Europe and Russia. Nevertheless, the technical documentation continued to refer to Kevlar by that name.

Characteristics of Kevlar thread: pros and cons

Kevlar threads have a high strength of 280 to 550 kg per mm², which is their main advantage. You won’t be able to cut them with regular scissors, I promise. This suggests three crucial characteristics of the substance right away:

  • abrasion resistance;
  • ability to withstand heavy objects;
  • good resistance to impacts and dynamic loads.

Up to 1500 kg per m³ is the low density of the fibers. This exceeds water by a small amount. The material wicks moisture away and is breathable. One almost never overheats or perspires when wearing Kevlar clothing.

Furthermore, polyaramid threads offer the following benefits:

  1. Low electrical conductivity. Working with them is much safer than with metals.
  2. Corrosion resistance. It is not without reason that they are used for cable covering and in shipbuilding.
  3. They do not burn or even melt. They begin to decompose only at temperatures above 430-450 ° C, and then after several hours. They have the ability to self-extinguish.
  4. They do not lose high performance properties in the cold. On the contrary, negative temperatures make the fibers even stronger.
  5. Non-toxic. Does not cause allergies even in small children and the elderly.

Pure Kevlar fabric does not, however, offer complete protection from slender and sharp objects. It could be shot through or punctured with an awl, for instance. For this reason, multiple layers of this fabric are created and metal plates are added when creating armor for military use. Additionally, UV light, chemical reagents, and water all cause Kevlar to degrade very quickly.

Main types of Kevlar

Threads made of polyaramid can vary in thickness, strength, and elasticity. Currently, the most common varieties of Kevlar available on the market are as follows:

  1. K-29. Has standard characteristics: density from 280 kg per mm², yellowish color, thickness of 1 mm. Used for the manufacture of sports equipment, protective inserts in suits, orthopedic prostheses, threads for fishing, strings for musical instruments.
  2. K-49. Has increased resistance to corrosion. Used for the production of automobile cables, hoses and tires, and for reinforcing plastics.
  3. K2-100. The marking indicates that the thread is colored. Usually, K2-100 Kevlar is used to make fiber optic braiding.
  4. K-119. Elongated threads with increased flexibility. As a rule, they are used to reinforce automobile tires and other rubber products.
  5. KM2 and KM2+. A fabric with increased strength, moisture and ultraviolet protection. Used in the production of armor for law enforcement agencies.

There are also fibers that can be purchased chopped. For instance, chopped threads up to 6 mm long make up the staple Kevlar. Although they are not as robust as K-29, they are utilized to create a fabric that has better vibration and thermal insulation qualities.

Chopped fibers up to 1 mm long make up flock Kevlar. Their purpose is to reinforce resins.

In what areas is Kevlar fiber used

Anywhere that something needs to be protected from temperature fluctuations and mechanical impacts, Kevlar is used. Nevertheless, the cost of producing polyaramid fibers is high. As such, it is occasionally mixed with other materials.

Textile and footwear industry

Workwear for skiers, snowboarders, climbers, motorcyclists, and employees in the chemical and metallurgical industries is typically made from Kevlar, including jackets, pants, suits, and gloves. That is, for those individuals whose activities carry a higher risk of harm.

Additionally, certain components of winter footwear are composed of polyaramid threads:

  • puncture-resistant insoles;
  • insulation;
  • laces.

Things made of kevlar are lightweight and warm. They shield the skin from hot objects, glass cuts, and falls onto hard surfaces. Clothes and shoes last a person a long time because they are abrasion resistant.

Military industry

The US National Institute of Justice started developing Kevlar for use in warfare in the 1970s. Throughout their work, researchers went through several stages:

  1. Tested whether Kevlar fabric is capable of stopping a bullet. As it turned out, no.
  2. Tried to find out how many layers of material are required to increase the strength of bulletproof vests. Scientists tested their hypotheses for bullets of different calibers and speeds. It turned out that 7 layers are necessary.
  3. Tested Kevlar in different conditions. The experiment showed that the properties of the threads deteriorate when wet, dry cleaned, bleached and exposed to sunlight.
  4. Developed a vest that protects polyaramid fibers from destructive factors.

They consequently obtained a fabric that was perfect for use in the production of personal protective equipment. Even now, army bulletproof vests, armored helmets, and armored vehicles are still made with Kevlar.

Shipbuilding and aviation

Due to their high cost, polyaramid threads are typically utilized sparingly in shipbuilding, primarily for keel section and hull sheathing along seams. Nevertheless, some businesses—most notably the Italian Cranchi—manufacture yachts between 11 and 20 meters in length made completely of carbon or Kevlar. Sea transportation consequently gains lightness, maneuverability, fuel economy, and the ability to reach great speeds.

Unmanned aerial vehicles are designed with Kevlar threads in the aviation industry. Sheathing adds protection while reducing weight.

How to properly care for Kevlar fabric items

Generally speaking, the fibers in Kevlar clothing are impregnated with a protective coating to keep water out. Proper maintenance won’t harm the items, though. It is forbidden to do the following:

  • frequent washing;
  • washing at temperatures above 40 °C;
  • use of bleaches and other aggressive detergents (it is better to take liquid powders for delicate fabrics);
  • dry cleaning;
  • Drying in the sun.

Ironing is not necessary because the fabric does not break. If at all possible, tiny impurities are eliminated using a brush with firm bristles rather than washing.

Features of Kevlar thread: FAQ

To what extent does Kevlar cost?

The cost of one running meter of fabric is 28 u.e. Additionally, a skein containing 100 meters of 1 mm thick Kevlar thread, from 35 u.e. Finished product costs differ significantly and are influenced by the manufacturer. For instance, Kevlar protective gloves cost between 500 and 3000 rubles in Russia.

How can Kevlar thread be cut?

Answer: You can purchase specialized scissors for Kevlar at a hardware store. Their high carbon steel blades are serrated. Nevertheless, their price ranges from 1300 to 2000 rubles. A chisel, big scissors with thick blades, and a roller knife are also useful for cutting material.

The remarkable properties of Kevlar thread include strength, durability, and versatility. It is an essential component in many fields due to its ability to endure harsh environments, whether it is utilized in outdoor equipment, industrial applications, or protective gear.

Making more informed decisions when applying Kevlar thread is made possible by having a better understanding of its various types and properties. Every kind is made with a particular purpose in mind and provides a different set of advantages based on the demands of the work.

Kevlar thread is expected to find more uses as innovation progresses, guaranteeing its position as an essential part of both commonplace goods and specialized machinery.

Video on the topic

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M2U02075 Kevlar 170 g / m2 + UHMWPE part 3

Kevlar, the strength of Kevlar thread

Kevlar thread, demonstration of the ability to cut rope and wood.

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Anastasia Belova

I have been working in the textile industry for over 12 years. My main hobby is studying the properties of fabrics and their impact on our everyday life. I love to talk about new products and share practical tips on caring for different materials. My collection contains hundreds of fabric samples from all over the world, and I am ready to share my findings with you!

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