Aramid fabric: features, properties, care

Among the variety of fabrics is found textile, which is designed to create special costumes. Most often this material serves to protect a person not only when performing hazardous work for health, but also in extreme situations. Extraordinary properties have aramid fabric.

What is it?

Aramid fiber is used to make such material. Such a fabric has become widespread. It is a polymeric material used as a reinforcing component in the manufacture of overalls.

In other words, overalls, bulletproof vests, helmets and other accessories are products made of aramid fabric. They are able to protect themselves from bullets and from fire. Such products are used not only by military and test pilots, but also by firemen, steelworkers and other representatives of life-threatening professions.

A bit of history

Aramid fiber was first created by a chemist of the American company DuPont in 1964. Initially, the material was called Kevlar. Now this is one of the leading brands. Similar material was produced in the USSR. Its name is SVM - ultrahigh-strength material. After a while, the product of Twaron appeared.

Since 1970, Kevlar fabric has been produced commercially.

Where fibers are used

Aramid fabrics of Russian production are widely used. Today they are used in many spheres. Initially, Kevlar cloth was used:

1. When manufacturing tires.
2. The fiber was part of heavy-duty cables and lines.
3. The material was used as a component of composite compounds for the space and aircraft building industry, in the construction of high-speed yachts and cars, solid parts, internal pressure chambers, high-speed flywheels and others.
4. On the basis of aramid fabric, bullet-proof vests and helmets were created.
5. Fibers were also used for sports equipment, household appliances, modeling and musical instruments.

Material properties

Aramid fabric has unique properties. The molecules of this material are long chains. In it, most amide bonds are fastened together with several aromatic rings. This is the main advantage of aramid fabric. After all, such compounds have a sufficiently high dissociation energy. At the same time, aromatic rings provide high parameters of thermostability of molecules.

Among the properties of such material is:

1. High strength. Aramid fabric is able to withstand up to 600 kg per 1 mm ² . The strength index of this material is higher than that of steel.
2. High heat resistance. Aramid fabric, whose properties are unique, does not melt. Fiber destruction begins at a temperature of about 500 ° C. The material is able to withstand contact with an open flame for 50 seconds. In this case, the fabric does not smolder and does not ignite. However, its strength at such an impact is significantly reduced.
3. Low density. Aramid fabric is very light, which makes it simply irreplaceable in the manufacture of overalls.
4. Low cost. Most often on sale you can see aramid fiber. The cost of a standard spool of such threads is approximately $ 20. Length - not less than 3 km.

Fabric features

Aramid fabric has a higher index of elasticity, unlike materials made of glass and carbon fibers. Create such a canvas using conventional weaving equipment. In this case, the interlacing of the fibers can be any. In addition, if desired, the finished fabric can be painted in any color.

Aramid fabric is practically not torn and does not burn. The material can withstand the effects of fire, heat, oil products and chemical solvents. Under load, aramid fibers are not deformed. However, when they are twisted, their strength decreases.

With regard to the cost of a fabric of aramid fibers, it is approximately $ 30 per 1 m ² .

Scope of the fabric

Aramid fabric is used today for the manufacture of:

1. Protective devices and clothes for metallurgists, welders and firemen. Due to its unique properties, the cloth protects the skin of workers from the effects of high temperature, the ingress of molten metal, sparks, and also from open fire.
2. Means of protection and clothing for employees of many law enforcement agencies and military.
3. Explosion-proof awnings and other equipment.

Cost of a costume from such a fabric depends on the design and type of material. The cheapest price is $ 250. However, studies have shown that it is best to protect a person's suit, which combines layers of plastic and aramid fabric.

How to take care of such a fabric

Products made of aramid fabric can be washed, if necessary. Such material does not shrink. However, numerous studies have shown that as a result of repeated washing, exposure to direct sunlight and ultraviolet rays, the main properties of the tissue deteriorate, it begins to lose its strength.

Experts do not recommend removing stains from the surface of such a material with the help of bleach, as well as the means intended for dry cleaning. They impair the strength of the aramid fabric. A similar disadvantage is stripped of the material, which has a waterproof coating. In other cases, it is very important to wash products from Kevlar.