Kevlar webbing is almost always the product you hear when discussing industrial yarns and high-performance fibers. But, did you know there are several alternatives?
These alternatives can sometimes even be cheaper and achieve the same results as Kevlar because their composition is so similar. If you have never explored a Kevlar alternative for your needs, you might be missing out. You could find an even better product that suits your needs and saves you money.
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KEVLAR AND ALTERNATIVES TO KEVLAR
Kevlar is a type of fiber that has been around since the mid-1960s. It was originally used to replace steel in racing tires, but it has expanded its use into bulletproof vests, mooring lines, and much more.
Kevlar, Twaron, Technora, Heracron, and Alkex are all made of extremely strong aramid fibers. These fabrics can have more benefits than carbon, and they have a stellar strength-to-rate weight ratio. Each of these Kevlar alternatives has general properties that are almost identical to the original. It is likely you would not notice the difference between a ripcord made with Kevlar and a ripcord made with Twaron.
| MANUFACTURER | DUPONT | HYOSUNG | KOLON | TEIJIN | TEIJIN | |
| TRADE NAME | KEVLAR® 29 | ALKEX® AF-1000 | HERACRON® HF200 | TWARON® | TECHNORA® | |
| SPECIFICATION | UOFM | |||||
| Density | (g/cm³) | 1.44 | 1.44 | 1.44 | 1.44 – 1.45 | 1.39 |
| Tenacity | g/den) | 23 | 23 | 23.0-24.0 | 18.7 – 28.3 | 28.3 |
| Modulus | (Gpa) | 70.33 | 70 – 102 | 83-109 | 60 – 120 | 74 |
| Elongation @ Break | (%) | 3.6 | 2.8 – 4.2 | 2.8 – 3.6 | 2.2 – 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Moisture Regain | (%) | 7 | 4.5 | not avail | 3.2 – 5.0 | 1.9 |
| Decomposition | (⁰C) | 427- 482 | 500 | not avail | 500 | 500 |
| (⁰F) | 800-900 | 932 | not avail | 932 | 932 |
TWARON
Twaron is an extremely popular alternative to Kevlar. This product is tough, light, and resistant to harmful chemicals and high temperatures. It is often chosen for its ability to make ordinary products unbelievably durable.
Twaron, generally, has the same chemical structure as Kevlar. It began developing only a little while after Kevlar appeared on the market.
This product has protection against heat, chemicals, and ballistics. It comes in the following different types to suit any application.
- Filament yarn
- Staple fiber
- Pulp
- Fabrics and laminates
- Short-cut fiber
- Paper
- Powder
- Jet-spun products
This product has been tailored to nearly anyone who uses it. It even comes in two colors, black or yellow, to fit the manufacturers’ preference. Some of Twarons’ applications include military, sports, aerospace, automotive, and construction. It has been used to make flame-resistant clothing, fiber-reinforced concrete, brake pads, and much more.
TECHNORA
Technora, which is an aramid made from two diamines, has many high-performance properties. It is heat and chemical resistant, and it is said to be much stronger than steel.
Due to Technoras’ extreme durability and strength, the fiber is used often in industrial applications. Some major industrial uses of Technora include the following.
- Turbo hoses
- Mechanical rubber goods reinforcement
- Electrical mechanical cable
- Windsurfing sails
- Ram air parachute suspension lines
- Personal protective equipment
- Drumheads
- Optical fiber cables
But, those are not the only impressive products Technora has been involved in. Along with Kevlar and Nylon, Technora was used to create the largest parachute sent to Mars.
HERACRON
Heracron is another aramid made similarly to Kevlar. It is valuable in industries in need of lightweight, flame-resistant, high-strength material. This trade name is relatively new, but the technology is not. Heracron is a South Korean-made product with many important similarities to Kevlar and Twaron.
Heracron, like other alternatives to Kevlar, is most often used in industrial fields. This means fields that need extremely tough fabrics and products. This includes ballistics, fiber optical cables, mechanical rubber goods, protective apparel, composites, and friction material.
ALKEX
Alkex is a relatively new Kevlar alternative. The aramid fiber was not developed or commercialized until the early 2000s.
Such as the other alternatives to Kevlar, Alkex is often used for automotive rubber reinforcement and bulletproofing. Alkex is somewhat weaker than Kevlar, yet it is still much stronger than steel. When choosing Alkex, you may lose some strength, but you will have more money in your pocket.
If you are using Kevlar, but do not need its extreme strength, Alkex may be a better fit. Alkex, Kevlar, and other alternatives are extremely flame-resistant. Even at 500 degrees Celsius or 932 degrees Fahrenheit, the fabric will not combust.
Flame resistance, which is often confused with flame retardant, means that the product does not catch fire by nature. Its chemical structure is non-flammable.
Flame retardant refers to fabrics that are treated with a chemical that uses a reaction to extinguish flames on contact. Alkex, as well as other alternatives to Kevlar, are flame resistant due to the way they are produced.
Kevlar® and polyester filament threads
Kevlar® and polyester filament sewing threads are also two different materials with unique properties and applications. Kevlar® thread and polyester filament thread differ in their properties and uses, and it’s important to choose the right thread for the specific application in order to ensure the best results.
Kevlar® thread is a high-strength thread that is resistant to heat, abrasion, and chemicals. Kevlar® thread is ideal for applications where strength and abrasion resistance are essential, such as in outdoor gear or industrial applications. It is commonly used in products such as outdoor gear, footwear, and industrial sewing applications. It is also used in bullet-resistant vests and body armor to provide strength and durability.
Polyester filament thread is a type of thread that is made from long strands of polyester fibers. Polyester filament thread is best suited for textile and apparel manufacturing, where a strong, flexible thread is needed. It is used in textile and apparel manufacturing, as well as in-home sewing and quilting. It is known for its strength, durability, and elasticity.
Works Cited: WHAT ARE THE BEST ALTERNATIVES TO KEVLAR?