What are Aramid Fibers?
Aramid fibers are a class of heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers. They are thermoplastic and characterized by rigid rod polymers with relatively rigid polymer chains. The development of them was pioneered in the 1960s by DuPont under the trademark name Kevlar. Since then, other companies including Teijin have produced aramid materials under trademarks such as Twaron and Technora.
Manufacturing Process
Aramid Fibers are produced by spinning liquid crystal polymers into a fiber form. The starting point is chlorination of aromatic organic compounds like toluene to produce diacids. Polymerization is then carried out to produce poly-p-phenylene terephthalamide. This is dissolved into a solution and spun through a spinneret to produce filaments which solidify and can be wound or processed further. The manufacturing process is quite complex given the polymeric structures involved.
Major Properties
- Exceptional Strength: They have a tensile strength of about 3.5 GPa which is around 5 times higher than steel on an equal weight basis. This high strength is derived from the rigid polymer structure.
- Heat Resistance: They can withstand continuous temperatures up to 250°C. The rigid bonds in the chain provide resistance to heat. They may deteriorate at higher temperatures but do not burn easily.
- Low Density: Despite high strength, they have low densities between 1.44-1.46 g/cm3. This gives them a high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Chemical Resistance: They have good resistance to dilute acids, alkalis and organic solvents. However, strong oxidizing agents can affect the chain structure over prolonged exposure.
- Electrical Insulation: The rigid chains provide excellent electrical insulation properties to aramid fibers. They neither conduct nor are susceptible to static build up.
Major Applications
- Bulletproof Vests & Armor: They are used extensively in the fabrication of bulletproof vests, helmets and other armor equipment due to their high strength. They protect against penetration.
- Aircraft Interior Components: Parts like engine cowlings, seals etc. on aircraft use aramid composites due to requirements of light weight and heat resistance for safety.
- Conveyor Belts: The wear resistance, low heat build-up and high tensile strength make aramids ideal for industrial conveyor belt fabric reinforcement.
- Protective Clothing: Nomex and other aramid fabrics are commonly used in firefighting suits, industrial work-wear and protective racing gear due to their heat and flame resistance.
- Automotive Components: Non-asbestos organic brake pads, clutch facings, seals, hoses and transmission belts utilize aramid content for heat durability.
- Fiber Optic Cables: Aramid yarns help reinforce submersible cables and provide tensile strength under water pressure alongside good electrical insulation.
- Sports Accessories: They are used in sports apparel, rackets, fishing lines etc. to provide strength and durability for high performance equipment.
That covers the basic overview of what aramid fibers are, how they are made and their major uses based on outstanding properties like high strength, heat and chemical resistance. These unique synthetic materials have many vital applications that exploit their superior strength to weight performance. With ongoing research, aramid fibers are likely to assume further significance across different industries.
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About Author:
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
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