Aramid fibers are the generic term for all-aromatic polyamides, chemical fibers formed from high polymers containing benzene rings in the amide bonds. They excel in tensile strength, toughness, and heat resistance far beyond conventional fibers, making them high-performance fiber materials.
Representative aramid fibers include Nomex (poly-m-phenylene isophthalamide) and Kevlar (poly-phenylene terephthalamide) by DuPont and Twaron by the Dutch company Enka. Teijin is the leading company in Japan.
Due to its outstanding heat resistance, Nomex is used for spacesuits and fire-resistant clothing, and its applications have expanded as pigment dyeing has become possible. On the other hand, Kevlar contributes to vehicle weight reduction as a tire cord owing to its high strength and high elastic modulus and is also used for special applications such as bulletproof vests and helmets.
Furthermore, aramid fibers are divided into para-aramids and meta-aramids based on their molecular structures. Strong para-aramids are in high demand for tire cords and the aerospace industry. At the same time, heat-resistant meta-aramids are sought after for fire-resistant clothing, bedding, and other applications requiring flame retardancy.
With their tensile strength, lightweightness, and heat resistance, aramid fibers are expected to become increasingly active as high-performance fiber materials in various industrial fields, including automobiles and aerospace.
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