Kevlar Thickness

Kevlar thickness varies depending on what it will be used for. Usually it is in centimeters or inches. The fiber can be an inch thick or more. The material has many uses, but it is best known for its use in bulletproof vests and helmets.

Kevlar is actually a brand name, but its usage has become widespread that the name has become nearly synonymous with bulletproof vests and personal armor.

Composition

Kevlar is constructed from aramid fabric. Chemically, aramid is related to nylon. By itself aramid is very tough and durable. However it is given extra strength by being woven into special patterns that make it even more resilient. The end result is a product that has no melting point and is invulnerable to wear and tear.

Variants

The Kevlar thickness will depend on the type. Kevlar 29 is the one used to make bulletproof vests. Kevlar 49 is another variant. It is much thicker and harder than 29 and is used for bicycle frames or boat hulls.

Kevlar is currently available in 3 grades: Kevlar, Kevlar II (Kevlar 29) and Kevlar III (Kevlar 49). Nomex is derived from Kevlar fabric and renowned for being fire resistant.

How Kevlar is Made

Whatever the Kevlar type, the material is made through a complicated chemical procedure. The fabric is constructed from polymer. It is spun from a mixture consisting of hot sulfuric acid solutions.

Just like other fabrics, Kevlar is hot drawn to be made durable. Hot drawn means that when the fabric is made, the temperature around is set at a high level. Kevlar 29 is hot drawn at a temperature of 400 C.

It is this process that makes the fabric invulnerable to heat. After the fabric is made, the Kevlar thickness to be used for the vest, helmet etc. will be determined.

Use as Protection

Aside from being utilized in bulletproof vests and helmets, the fabric is used in other applications. It is used in ballistic face masks. The US military, police and emergency units employ it as well. Emergency services make use of it in cases where protection from intense heat is required.

Use in Sports

This fiber is used as material in canoes and also for the inner lining of bicycle tires. Applying Kevlar will make the tires more resistant to punctures. The fiber is also used in biker clothing particularly at the elbows and shoulders.

In Japanese archery it is sometimes used as a substitute to costly hemp for strings. The fiber is also employed in paraglider suspension lines.

Other Uses

The fiber is also used in music. Research has shown that it has properties that can be useful for bass, loudspeakers cones and drumheads. The material is also used in the cable. They have also been utilized as material for electricity generating clothes.

Kevlar is one of the most widely used fibers for making bulletproof vests. But as the facts show, it is also utilized in many other applications. The Kevlar thickness used will hinge on what the material will be employed for.

Similar Posts