Among the variety of fabrics found in textiles, which is designed to create special costumes. Most often, such material serves to protect a person, not only when performing work hazardous to health, but also in extreme situations. Aramid fabric has extraordinary properties.
What is it?
Aramid fiber is used to make such a material. This fabric is widespread. It is a polymeric material used as a reinforcing component in the manufacture of workwear.
In other words, overalls, body armor, helmets and other accessories are products made from aramid fabric. They are able to protect against bullets and fire. Such products are used not only by military and test pilots, but also by firefighters, steelworkers and other representatives of life-threatening professions.
A bit of history
Aramid fiber was first created by a chemist in the American company DuPont in 1964. Initially, the resulting material was called Kevlar. Now it is one of the leading brands. Material similar in properties was made in the USSR. Its name is SVM - ultra high strength material. After some time, the product Twaron appeared.
Since 1970, Kevlar fabric began to be produced on an industrial scale.
Where are the fibers used?
Aramid fabrics of Russian manufacture are widespread. Today they are used in many fields. Initially, Kevlar tissue was used:
- In the manufacture of tires.
- The fiber was part of heavy-duty cables and slings.
- The material was used as a component of composite compositions for the space and aircraft industries, in the construction of high-speed yachts and automobiles, durable parts, internal pressure chambers, high-speed flywheels and other things.
- Based on aramid fabric, bulletproof vests and helmets were created.
- 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 bonded simultaneously with several aromatic rings. This is the main advantage of aramid tissue. After all, such compounds have a sufficiently large dissociation energy. At the same time, aromatic rings provide high thermal stability of molecules.
Among the properties of such a material, it is worth highlighting:
- High strength. Aramid fabric can withstand up to 600 kg per 1 mm 2 . The strength index of this material is higher than that of steel.
- High temperature resistance. Aramid fabric, whose properties are unique, does not melt. The destruction of the fibers begins at a temperature of about 500 ° C. The material is able to withstand contact with open flame for 50 seconds. In this case, the fabric does not smolder and does not ignite. However, its strength under such exposure is significantly reduced.
- Low density. Aramid fabric is very light, which makes it simply indispensable in the manufacture of workwear.
- Low cost. Most often on sale you can see aramid fiber. The cost of a standard bobbin of such threads is approximately $ 20. Length - at least 3 km.
Fabric Features
Aramid fabric has a higher elasticity, in contrast to materials made of glass and carbon fibers. Such a fabric can be created using conventional weaving equipment. In this case, the interweaving of fibers can be any. In addition, the finished fabric, if desired, can be dyed in any color.
Aramid tissue practically does not tear and does not burn. The material can withstand the effects of fire, heat, petroleum products and chemical solvents. Aramid fibers do not deform under load. However, when twisted, their strength decreases.
As for the cost of aramid fiber cloth, it is about $ 30 per 1 m 2 .
Areas of application of fabric
Aramid fabric is used today for the manufacture of:
- Protective equipment and clothing for metallurgists, welders and firefighters. Due to its unique properties, the sheet protects the skin of workers from exposure to high temperature, ingress of molten metal, sparks, as well as from open flame.
- Protective equipment and clothing for employees of many law enforcement agencies and the military.
- Explosive tents and other equipment.
The cost of a costume made of such a fabric depends on the design and type of material. The cheapest price is $ 250. However, studies have shown that a suit that combines layers of plastic and aramid fabric protects a person best of all.
How to care for such a fabric
Aramid fabric items 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 basic properties of the fabric deteriorate, it begins to lose its strength.
Experts do not recommend removing stains from the surface of such a material using bleaches, as well as products intended for dry cleaning. They degrade the strength of aramid tissue. A similar disadvantage is deprived of a material that has a waterproof coating. In other cases, washing products from Kevlar is with extreme caution.