Aramid fiber (1961) is a synthetic fiber, a fire-resistant polyamide, is a favorite for aerospace and military; bullet-proof protective "armor" fabric, as well as an asbestos substitute.

A well-known type of aramid fiber (a para-aramid) is commonly known by its Dupont trade name, Kevlar.

Aramid fiber characteristics

• sensitive to degradation from ultraviolet radiation
• good resistance to abrasion, chemical degradation, and thermal degradation
• nonconductive
• no melting point
• low flammability
• good fabric integrity at elevated temperatures
• para-aramid fibers such as Kevlar and Twaron, which have a slightly different molecular structure, also provide outstanding strength-to-weight properties, high tenacity and high modulus.

Major Industrial Aramid Fiber Uses

• flame-resistant clothing
• protective vests and helmets
• composites
• asbestos replacement
• hot air filtration fabrics
• tire and mechanical rubber goods reinforcement
• ropes and cables
• sail cloth (not necessarily racing boat sails)
• sporting goods
• drumheads

Production

The Federal Trade Commission definition for Aramid fiber is "A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polyamide in which at least 85 percent of the amide linkages are attached directly to two aromatic rings."

Aramid fiber is produced by spinning a solid fiber from a liquid chemical blend. This relies on a co-solvent with an ionic component (calcium chloride) to occupy the hydrogen bonds of the amide groups, and an organic solvent (N-methyl pyrrolinidone) to dissolve the aromatic polymer; prior to DuPont's invention of this process, no practical means of dissolving the polymer was known.

First U.S. Commercial Aramid Fiber Production: 1961, DuPont Company.

Current U.S. Aramid Fiber Producers: INVISTA

See also

• Kevlar
• Nomex
• Synthetic fibers
• Textile