What is Aramid Fiber?

Aramid fiber is a synthetic polyamide polymer, also known as Kevlar. Aramid, short for aromatic polyamide, was first developed in the 1930s as a material resistant to temperature, abrasion and impact. By the 1970s, it was offered for sale under the name Kevlar.

This material, consisting of chain molecules, is formed sequentially along the fiber axis. Therefore, it has high strength, abrasion resistance and flexibility. Heat resistant Kevlar maintains fabric integrity at high temperatures. Today, this material is mostly used in the production of composite parts. It is preferred in many sectors as it is involved in composite production.

Areas of Use of Aramid Fiber

Aramid fiber is preferred in a wide range of sectors due to its properties. Reduced cost features are also one of the reasons for use in sectors. Kevlar, which was first introduced to the market, was used in the automotive industry. With the development of technology and the increase in sectoral needs, it has taken its place in many different fields. We can explain the usage areas of this fiber as follows:

Defense industry: This fiber is used in the defense industry where composite production is preferred. It is a preferred material especially in ballistic armor construction. Since it has high impact absorption, strength and flexibility properties, it also serves as an important material in the production of bulletproof vests and helmets.

Fire resistant clothing: Another area where this fiber with high thermal resistance is used is in the production of fire-resistant clothing. It is frequently preferred in helmets and gloves, which are parts of firefighter clothing. Clothing with these features benefits both firefighters and military personnel.

Aerospace industry: This fiber is also preferred in aircraft construction. The main reason for this is that it is suitable for the production of performance parts with high strength and weight ratios. Especially in airplane wings, it is produced by utilizing the flexing functionality of composite parts.

Construction sector: It is widely used in construction and is an indispensable material in the manufacture of thermoplastic and concrete pipes. With this use, it strengthens the structures and makes them safer.

Marine Also used in the maritime industry, this material has the ability to increase durability in submarine pipelines. It is also used as a structural element in yachts, boats and similar marine vehicles. Thanks to its durability and superior protection, it prevents future problems.

Sports equipment: Also used in sports equipment, aramid is used to make hockey sticks, tennis racket strings and skis. Because of its high durability, it is used in the clothing of players in sports that require resistance and strength, such as American football or ice hockey.

Music industry: This fiber is also often used in the music industry. It is used in speakers, drums and woofers, which are music equipment. This ensures the transmission of sound and increases the durability of the product.

The fact that this fiber has a use ranging from the construction industry to the music industry reveals that it is a multi-purpose material. This material is also used as an alternative to asbestos due to the harmful effects of the chemical asbestos. The use of asbestos, which is extremely harmful to health, is banned in most countries. This fiber is used as a substitute because it is not harmful to health and has high mechanical properties. Therefore, this fiber is of great importance in various fields and alternative uses. Thanks to all these uses, it is processed in composite production and put on the market. Thus, the requirements of the sectors are met in the best way.

Aramid Fiber Production

The production of this fiber has become more widespread with the development of technology. This polyester or nylon-based material is made of nylon or polyester. The production process of this fiber consists of many stages.

In this process, which starts with the preparation of the special polymer component, the chemical reaction takes place first. Long and straight aramid polymer molecules are then obtained. In the next step, these molecules are melted into solution using different methods. The solution is converted into yarn form and cut into appropriate sizes, resulting in this fiber. It takes its form with different properties in appropriate processes according to the areas to be used. At the final stage, the size, shape and structural characteristics are determined.

Aramid Fiber Properties

Aramid fiber is a material with many properties. The chemical structure of this fiber, a long-chain synthetic polyamide, consists of amide (-CO-NH-) bonds. These bonds are connected by two aromatic rings, revealing the material. The properties of this material, which also stands out with its synthetic fiber feature, are as follows:

As it is a high-strength polymer, it has exceptional strength properties.
It has no melting point as it is extremely resistant to heat. However, when exposed to temperatures above 500 degrees, its structure may start to deteriorate.
High abrasion and cut resistance. Therefore, it has the feature of not being punctured.
It has a structure suitable for absorbing moisture.
Resistant to hardness and penetration.
Resistant to organic solvents.
Even in fiber and fabric form, it is difficult to fold, cut and process.
With its shock absorption and shock resistance, it can be used as crop reinforcement.
Also used for epoxy and phenolic resin reinforcement.