description Kevlar Overview
Developed by DuPont, Kevlar is a synthetic para-aramid fiber used where high strength relative to weight and resistance to damage matter. Applications include ballistic armor, high-performance tires and ropes, with protective products used by law enforcement, military personnel and industrial workers. DuPont describes the familiar five-times-steel strength comparison on an equal-weight basis. Kevlar fibers can reinforce products or form layers that absorb and distribute forces.
Resistance to abrasion and impact makes the material useful for protecting people and equipment, but the finished design determines its actual capabilities. Kevlar content alone does not establish a protective rating. Its defining contribution is strength in a relatively light fiber that can be incorporated into flexible textiles or composite structures.
help Kevlar FAQ
How can Kevlar stop a bullet if it is a woven fabric?
Layers of tightly woven Kevlar spread a projectile's energy across many extremely strong para-aramid fibers, slowing and deforming it. Soft body armor is designed for particular handgun threats, while rifle protection generally requires rigid plates made from ceramic, polyethylene, or other materials.
Who invented Kevlar, and what was it originally meant to replace?
DuPont chemist Stephanie Kwolek discovered the unusual liquid-crystalline polymer behind Kevlar in 1965. Her team was investigating lightweight, strong fibers that could reinforce tires as automobiles moved toward radial construction.
Does Kevlar lose strength when exposed to sunlight or water?
Ultraviolet light can degrade Kevlar, which is why products normally protect the fibers beneath covers, coatings, or other materials. Moisture can also affect performance temporarily, although finished armor systems are engineered and tested to limit exposure.
Is Kevlar the same material as Nomex?
No. Kevlar is a para-aramid valued primarily for tensile strength, while DuPont's Nomex is a meta-aramid designed chiefly for heat and flame resistance.
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