Kevlar- The Wonder Material

Group 6

Leader: Timothy Tan

Members: Warren Cheah

Alejandro Go

Justyn Go

Kevlar A registered trademark for a para-

aramid synthetic fiber patented in 1966

Created by Stephanie Kwolek and Herbert Blades in 1965 for Dupont Company of U.S.A.

KevlarKevlar

Kevlar is an extremely Kevlar is an extremely strong material that strong material that derives its strength derives its strength from its weave. It is from its weave. It is woven like tiny spider woven like tiny spider webs.webs.

Kevlar…

•A special way of weaving liquid into a solid called aramid weave

•Aramid fibers like Kevlar are:–Difficult to corrode but maybe slightly corrosive if exposed to chlorine

Kevlar’s Properties

•Heat- resistant•Flexible•No melting point•Lightweight so ideal for

bulletproof vests•Five times stronger than the

same weight of steel

Applications

•Armor: combat helmet, face mask

•Personal protection: jacket and bulletproof vest

•Sports equipment: bicycle tires, shoes

•Windsurfing sails that can withstand the force of 60 mph winds and do not rip easily are made of Kevlar.

• Under water, Kevlar is 20 times stronger than steel. These Kevlar cables are supporting a sonar facility that the U.S. Navy uses to find out how much noise submarines make.

Other applications of Kevlar

•Audio equipment: loudspeaker cones

•Ropes and cables•Building construction: used

in Montreal’s Olympic Stadium

•Brakes: brake pads

Sources:• http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-kevlar.htm

http://www.lbl.gov/MicroWorlds/Kevlar/http://www2.dupont.com/Kevlar/en_US/index.htmlhttp://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blkevlar.htmhttp://www2.dupont.com/Kevlar/en_US/uses_apps/other_uses.htmlhttp://www.gizmag.com/wire-frame-bike-carbon-fiber-kevlar-cables/11187/ http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventors/kwolek.htm