Kevlar® is a well-known yarn in the textile industry due to its popular characteristics. Thanks to its exceptional strength and fire resistant properties, it has found its way into various industries ranging from firefighting and fall protection to military and aerospace.
As a Kevlar® webbing manufacturer with over 115 years of experience, we wanted to provide an overview of Kevlar® and discuss the applications it is used in for various industries. This article will highlight its advantages and disadvantages, and explain why Kevlar® is a reliable go-to choice for professionals in different fields.
What is Kevlar®?
Kevlar® is a para-aramid fiber developed and manufactured by DuPont™. It is known for its durability, resistance to heat, and high tensile strength-to-weight ratio.
Kevlar® Fiber Strengths
Kevlar® is extensively used in a range of industries that demand exceptional tensile strength, reliability, and durability. Its strengths include:
- Heat Resistance: Kevlar® webbing maintains its strength and integrity in high-temperature conditions, making it suitable for applications involving heat or flame exposure.
- High Tensile Strength: Kevlar® webbing is stronger than steel while being significantly lighter, thanks to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio that allows it to withstand high stress and tension. Whether it’s used in safety harnesses or lifting slings, Kevlar® webbing provides the strength necessary to ensure reliable performance and safety.
Kevlar® Fiber Limitations
Despite its strengths, Kevlar® webbing does have a few limitations.
Kevlar® fiber has limited UV resistance. Prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation can cause Kevlar® webbing to degrade over time, reducing its strength. Proper protection and maintenance is crucial to mitigate this weakness. Other fibers such as Nomex® can be woven over Kevlar® to help protect the fibers from this.
Also, while Kevlar® webbing exhibits excellent resistance to many chemicals, certain strong acids and alkalis can cause degradation and damage to the material.
Kevlar® Fiber Variations
Kevlar® is available in both natural yellow or black, allowing for customization and easy identification in specific applications.
Kevlar® can be further enhanced through various treatments and finishes to optimize its performance and adapt it to specific applications. Let’s explore some notable treatments and finishes that Sturges can apply to Kevlar® webbing:
- Water Resistance: Kevlar® webbing can be treated with specialized coatings to improve its resistance to water and moisture. These coatings create a barrier that helps repel water, preventing it from being absorbed by the fibers.
- UV Protection treatments provide additional protection against the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV radiation. UV stabilized Kevlar® webbing helps maintain its strength and durability when used in outdoor applications.
Kevlar® Applications
Kevlar® fiber’s incredible strength and resistance to high heat make it perfect for use in various industries ranging from Firefighting and Fall Protection to Aerospace to Military. Let’s explore some notable applications:
- Firefighting: In firefighting equipment, Kevlar® webbing is used for a variety of different components, including Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), Drag Rescue Devices (DRD), Escape Harnesses, Belts, and more. Its high strength and heat resistance make it ideal for firefighter protective gear.
- Fall Protection: In the realm of fall protection, Kevlar® plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of workers operating at heights. The exceptional flame resistance and durability of Kevlar® webbing, make it a preferred choice to be used in various arc flash and welding fall protection equipment including harnesses, lanyards, and retractable lifelines.
- Military & Aerospace: Kevlar® is commonly used in the MIL/PIA Spec-87130 Standard.
Conclusion
An incredibly versatile material with numerous applications in various industries, Kevlar® fiber stands out as a preferred choice for webbing manufacturing due to its exceptional strength, high heat resistance, and high tensile strength-to-weight ratio.
Its wide range of applications across industries showcases its reliability and versatility. While it does have certain weaknesses, those weaknesses can be mitigated with specialized treatments in some cases. Proper care and maintenance can ensure Kevlar’s® longevity and effectiveness.
Partnering With Kevlar® Webbing Manufacturers
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each fiber is of utmost importance for a webbing manufacturer like us at Sturges Manufacturing. We recognize the significance of thorough consideration in our webbing process, where we meticulously assess the intended applications for our customers’ webbing and straps. By taking into account these factors, we ensure that the solution we produce is tailored to meet the specific requirements and demands of our customers’ diverse industries.
If you’re an established OEM looking for webbing or straps, working with a Kevlar® webbing manufacturer like Sturges will help ensure that you get the best products that meet your specific needs. Contact our team today with your inquiries.