Aramid fibers are high-performance fibers used in a variety of industries due to their excellent physical and chemical properties. From making car bodies and vehicle armor for the military and defense industry to making bicycle tires and boat ropes, aramid fibers are truly versatile. Aramid fibers are also used in aerospace and marine engineering and as a safe alternative to asbestos.
Aramid, short for aromatic polyamide, is a synthetic organic polymer made by spinning solid fibers from a liquid chemical mixture into long chains of synthetic polyamide. They have excellent heat resistance, low flammability and high resistance to organic solvents. The only things aramid fibers are sensitive to are UV rays, acids and some salts.
Aramid has been around since it was first developed by DuPont in the early 1960s. Since then, they have become an important part of many products and applications.
Because aramid fibers have many advantages, they are ideal for manufacturing high-quality products that operate in difficult or hazardous environments. Aramid fibers are versatile and valuable and guarantee products that will stand the test of time. Other advantages of aramid fibers include:
1. Excellent chemical stability and thermal stability
Aramid fibers are resistant to most chemicals and can withstand high temperatures without degrading. This makes them ideal for harsh environments and where the risk of exposure to chemicals is increased.
2. High tensile modulus and strength
Aramid fibers are known for their high tensile strength, which is the maximum force a material can withstand before breaking. Aramid fibers have higher toughness than most other fiber materials, which is why they are an important part of aerospace, defense and industrial applications.
3. Low density
Aramid fibers have a low density, making them lighter than other materials used in similar applications. This is particularly important in aerospace and marine engineering, where weight reduction is a top priority for vehicles to be able to fly and sail.
4. Heat-resistant and non-flammable
Aramid is non-flammable and will not ignite under normal circumstances. They can withstand high temperatures and do not begin to break down until they reach 500 degrees, making them ideal for products used in environments where fire or explosion could occur.
5. Insulation performance
Aramid fibers are also good insulators, which means they can help protect against heat and electrical current.
6. Resistant to impact and damage
Aramid fibers are highly resistant to impact and damage, and can withstand wear and tear better than most other materials. This makes them ideal for making products that need to withstand a lot of impact (such as armor) and can often extend the life of the product.
7. Low hygroscopicity
Aramid fibers absorb very little water and are less susceptible to water damage than other materials. This is particularly important for products such as ropes and cables that require low moisture absorption in humid environments or underwater applications.
We produce milled aramid fibers (also called fiber bundles) to improve the performance of industrial materials and products. They can be added to products wet or dry to add strength and reinforcement. Our flocking can be used by gasket and seal manufacturers as a reinforcement for the substrate and to prevent microcracks from forming in the finished product.
If you are looking for a fiber that offers high performance and reliability in your manufacturing process, aramid fiber should be your first choice. To learn more about aramid fibers and fiber bundles, order a sample or contact us.
