Kevlar is a heat-resistant and strong synthetic fiber, related to other aramids such as Nomex and Technora1. Kevlar and Nomex were first invented Aramid fibers by Stephanie Kwolek at DUPONT, USA in 1965. The former is a para-aramid and the latter is a meta-aramid. They have certain unique properties.
The fiber has an excellent cut resistance. The sharp edge of the knife is then unable to penetrate through the flesh because it is caught within the Kevlar weaving. Although the cutting motion will damage the vest carrier, the wearer will be protected from the knife2. The shirt, made of Kevlar material is currently selling well in Europe to face the threat of stabbing & beheading that are rampant in European countries.
It is 20 times lesser in weight and 5 times stronger than steel and useful as a replacement for steel in race cycle components. It has a high degree of thermal resistance (-274 to 320 degrees Fahrenheit) which makes it suitable for fighters’ uniform.
Excellent impact resistance and so very useful to make bulletproof jackets, helmets, etc. Its high strength and abrasion resistance makes it handy in applications like race jackets, helmets, extra-strong ropes, the roof of the stadium, sewing thread, etc. It is also being used as one of the layers in a spacesuit outer garment known as a thermal micrometeoroid garment (TMG).
Kevlar’s properties of abrasion resistance and low viscoelastic behavior are useful for sports textiles like tennis, badminton racket strings, and premium quality basketball. Various national and international sports brands are using fiber as an important element in their sports range products. Kevlar is used as speed control patches in Adidas F-50 soccer shoes, AdiZero prime soccer boot, and as an elongation control patch at shoe tip in Nike elite II series, Lebron, HyperDunk, Zoom Kobe VII.
Don’t you want to include this Next Generation Fiber in your wardrobe collection?
References:
1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevlar#:~:text=Kevlar%20is%20a%20heat%2Dresistant,such %20as%20Nomex%20and%20Technora.
2. https://www.safeguardclothing.com/uk/articles/how-does-a-stab-proof-vest-work/
3. https://www.ppss-group.com/product/slashpro-slash-resistant-clothing/
Author:
Paresh Chatterjee, Associate Director, Textile & Knit Design, School of Fashion Design, Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID)
Disclaimer: The opinions / views expressed in this article are solely of the author in his / her individual capacity. They do not purport to reflect the opinions and/or views of the College and/or University or its members.