Kevlar - what is it? Material of Kevlar. Production of Kevlar

Every generation that lives in this or that time period has its own rules and principles, demands for mobility and quality of life. Accordingly, the acceleration of scientific and technological progress in all sectors should be accompanied by an increase in the general pace, and a new time dictates its own rules. So the unique fashion for things with the inclusion of Kevlar threads touched not only the specialized units, including the military, but also ordinary inhabitants who value their safety and love comfort.

Kevlar: what is it?

Strong Kevlar fibers have long intertwined in the structure of developments in the automotive, construction, military industries, partially replacing the less strong and practical steel. "Woven" made of organic yarn material has become simply indispensable due to its unique characteristics. So, now we will consider in detail the question of Kevlar - what is it, and learn the history of its appearance.

Briefly about the origin

The new polymer in a sense became the "child" of his Majesty the Case, born in the laboratories of the company Dupont, which already at that time had in its assets the invention of such material as nylon. Then, in 1964, the research team was looking for a solution to how to replace steel cord in automobile tires with significantly lighter polymer threads, for example polyaramidics. Accordingly, the occupation was not simple, because the polyaramid must first be dissolved (which in itself is not an easy task), and only then from the resulting mass "spin" the threads. A positive result was achieved by Stephanie Kwolek. She managed to get the fibers of exceptional strength, which after testing showed stunning results - the new thread was stronger than steel.

But this was only the beginning of the brilliant history of this material. Kevlar cloth appeared on the market in 1975, and since that time there has been no need to complain about the lack of demand. And he gives birth to production, so Dupont does not stop there. The company makes notable financial injections aimed at modernizing the patented Kevlar material and giving it improved characteristics.

Condition for today

Now let's move on to our time. Modern Kevlar - what is it? And this surprisingly light and soft material that does not burn in the fire and almost does not smolder, moisture absorbs well, allowing the skin to "breathe", and at the same time, its strength exceeds the steel several times, withstanding the tensile load within 2500 N Yes, and the processing of tissue is easy enough and does not require a narrow profile equipment.

How to produce

Fiber-forming polymers are produced at low temperature by polycondensation in solution. To the latter, the reagents are added and mixed vigorously. From this solution, the polymer is released in the form of a crumb or gel. Further it is washed and dried. Then the polymer is dissolved in strong acids (for example, in sulfuric acid). From the resulting solution by extrusion method, filaments and fibers are formed. They are washed and dried.

Kevlar fibers are a crystallizing polymer. Their structure is characterized by a high degree of rigidity. This is due to the presence of benzene rings. According to its structure, Kevlar refers to mesh polymers. It is produced in the form of technical threads that have different linear density and structure. The number of fibers in the filaments can be different: from 130 to 1000 in the production of Kevlar fabric and from 500 to 10 thousand in the manufacture of cord and ropes. This material is produced in the form of roving, fabric and yarn. Fibers are opaque, their average diameter is 11 microns.

Applications

Kevlar finds its application in those industries where resistance to wear and thermal stability, low structural rigidity and maximum lightness, and excellent strength at low weight are extremely important. Therefore, it is not surprising that this material fell "to the court" in the manufacture of personal protective equipment, in particular bullet-proof vests, helmets.

Kevlar: defending ourselves with comfort

To date, different clothes are made from Kevlar, intended not only for servicemen and various special forces, but also for those who choose an ultra-active way of life and are obsessed with the same hunt or airsoft. Of course, the airsoft player does not need a Kevlar armor with a high level of protection and additional armor plates, but a T-shirt with special Kevlar inserts will be very appropriate. In addition, such items are easy to hide under the outer clothing, and the models suitable for the design are designed.

Perhaps the most popular products from Kevlar can be considered armored helmets, tactical gloves and, of course, bulletproof vests. By the way, it is precisely from this fabric that passive defense equipment, adopted for service in NATO, is manufactured.

Protection on the hands

Tactical gloves with Kevlar in the form of protective inserts on the palms and knuckles allow not only to protect the hand from damage during collision, for example, with the teeth of the opponent, but also to significantly strengthen the blow, making it crushing. Such an original modern analogue of a knucklebuster. If you take into account the strength, heat and resistance to moisture and damage, such accessories have recently become popular not only among employees of specialized units, but also among extremists, street fighters, lovers of active lifestyles. Also, they are in demand among those who have dark streets of their native settlement causing well-founded fears.

And the bullet, and the bayonet ... will stop Kevlar?

Kevlar bulletproof vest is considered to be one of the most reliable means of individual passive protection. Due to its unique lightness, strength and relative durability, this "armor" is able to protect the owner from sliding impacts of cold weapons and to mitigate the impact of bullets, preventing the penetration and spread of debris.

Choosing a flak jacket based on this polymer, you should consider some of the nuances with which it is endowed. Kevlar - what is this? Soft armor, which does not save from a shot at the stop or a penetrating strike with a knife or an awl, so models with special rigid panels designed to further shock the shock are developed.

Everyone has his own minuses

The disadvantages of Kevlar can be attributed to photosensitivity - with prolonged exposure to sunlight, the miracle material begins to break down, albeit very, very slowly. The optimal means of protection was the sewing of elements with Kevlar threads into a denser fabric.

The price of products with para- amide threads is quite high, and this is what prevents the general "kevlarization". To equip the army with tactical products from this material can only afford economically developed countries.

In conclusion

To date, it is extremely difficult to imagine passive protection without Kevlar fibers, and body armor and helmets and helmets made of such tissue have saved many lives. Therefore, creators have something to be proud of. And manufacturers need to expand production of Kevlar and constantly improve the characteristics of its quality.