Kevlar
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Kevlar is the registered trade mark of a para-aramid (aromatic polyamide) fiber produced by DuPont. Chemists Stephanie Kwolek and Herbert Blades first synthesized Kevlar in 1965, Kwolek patented the fiber in 1966. Fibers of Kevlar consist of long molecular chains produced from poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide. The chains are highly oriented with strong interchain bonding, which results in a unique combination of properties, including:
- high tensile strength at low weight (five times stronger than the same weight of steel)
- low electrical conductivity
- high chemical resistance
- low thermal shrinkage
- excellent dimensional stability
- high cut resistance
- flame resistant
- self-extinguishing
Kevlar does not rust nor corrode and is used in bullet proof vests, underwater cables, brake linings, space vehicles, boats, parachutes, skis, and building materials.