The document presents a detailed overview of aramid fibers, including their history, types, fabrication processes, properties, and applications. It highlights key figures in their development, such as Stephanie Kwolek and Wilfred Sweeny, and identifies para-aramid and meta-aramid as the primary varieties. Additionally, the document discusses the manufacturing process, physical and thermal properties, and various applications of aramid fibers in industries like construction and protective textiles.

1. a
ARAMID FIBERS
AS
REINFORCEMENT
Presented by:
 M. Zain (16-NTU-1406)
 Zeshan Faisal (17-NTU-1088)
(Batch-2017)
Department of Polymer Engineering,
National Textile University,
Faisalabad.

2. Contents
History
Introduction
Types
Fabrication Process
Reinforcement Types
Properties
Applications
ARAMID FIBERS 2

3. History
o American chemist Stephanie Kwolek invented 1st Para-Aramid Fiber which
was after named as Kevlar.
o Dr. Wilfred Sweeny a Scottish born scientist was responsible for discovering
Meta-Aramid Fiber after named as Nomex.
o In 1960, they were firslty introduced for commercial applications.
ARAMID FIBERS 3
Dr. Wilfred SweenyStephanie Kwolek

4. Introduction
ARAMID FIBERS 4
Amide
Carbonyl and amino group condensate to generate amide monomer.
There are basically two types of polyamides:
Nylon Aramids
 Less than 85% amide linkages.  Atleast 85% amide linkages.
 Have [(CH2)n] chains b/w amide linkages.  Have (aromatic ring) b/w amide linkages.

5. Cont.
o Aramid Fiber (Aromatic Polyamide)
 Composed of aromatic di-carbonyl and
aromatic di-Amine.
 Their condensation produce aramids whose
monomer have carbonyl and di-amine.
 long-chain synthetic polyamide.
 Amide linkages are attached to aromatic rings called poly(pheylene
terepthalamide).
ARAMID FIBERS 5
NH2
NH2

6. Types
Numerous combinations of carbonyl(carboxylic acid) and diamine
can be used to produce different types of aramid fibers.
Commercially produced are
Like:-
 Para-Aramid(Cut Resistant)
o Kevlar
o Twaron
 Meta-Aramid(Fire Retardant)
o Nomex
o Teijin Conex
ARAMID FIBERS 6
These two are
the most common
Types of aramids.

7. ARAMID FIBERS 7
Worldwide production of Aramid Fibers
Fiber Name Basic Polymer Producer Estimated Capacity
(Ton/Yr)
M-Aramid Fiber
Nomex Poly(m-phenylene isopthalamide) DuPont Co. 10,000
Teijin Conex Poly(m-phenylene isopthalamide) Teijin Ltd. 5000
Fenilin Poly(m-phenylene isopthalamide) Russia 1000
P-Aramid Fiber
Kevlar Poly(m-phenylene isopthalamide) Du Pont Co. 20,000
Twaron Poly(m-phenylene isopthalamide) Akzo Nobel 10,000
Aramid Co-Polymer Fibers
Technora Copoly(l,4-phenylene/3,4′- diphenylether
terephthalamide)
Teijin Ltd. 1000
Armos Copoly[p-phenylene/5-amino-2- (p
aminophenyl)benzimidazole terephthalamide]
Russia Unknown
Trevar Aramid Copolymer Hoechst AG Unknown

8. Reinforcement Types
o Usually aramid fibers are reinforced into
polymer matrix in three ways:
a) Continuous
b) Woven (2D or 3D)
c) Chopped
o Matrix is the second major component of
composite material.
o Selection of suitable matrix affect the
properties of final material.
ARAMID FIBERS 8

9. Manufacturing Process
Polymer Formation
o Diamine dissolve in water.
o Acid dissolved in solvent i.e.
Cyclohexanone.
o Mixing two solution causes rapid
polymerization.
Spinning
o Dope Formation
 Nomex: Dissolve in LiCl2.
 Kevlar: Dissolve in H2SO4.
ARAMID FIBERS 9
oExtrusion
Dope then extruded through spinret’s
hole to give filament shape.
o Solidification
 Nomex: Solidifies in hot air.
 Kevlar: Solidifies in water.

10. Properties
ARAMID FIBERS 10
Physical Properties
o Optical
 Colour:
o Mechanical
 Tenacity:
Condition Kevlar Nomex
Dry 18-26.5 4.0-5.3
Wet 17-25 3.0-5.3
Fiber Kevlar Nomex
Colour Yellow/Golden White

11. Cont.
ARAMID FIBERS 11
 Density:
Kevlar Nomex
1.44 (g/cm3) 1.38 (g/cm3)
Fiber Type Density
(g/cm3)
% Elongation Modulus
(MPa)
Tenacity
Kevlar 29 1.43 3.6 70 20-23
Kevlar 49 1.45 2.8 135 20-26
Kevlar 149 1.47 1.5 143 18
Nomex 1.38 22 17 5.8

12. Cont.
ARAMID FIBERS 12
o Stress-Strain Curve

13. Cont.
o Structure
ARAMID FIBERS 13
Kevlar Nomex
Para-Aramid Meta-Aramid

14. Cont.
Thermal Properties
o Melting Point
o Glass Transition Temperature
ARAMID FIBERS 14
Kevlar Nomex
Above 500ºC 350ºC
Note: They not only melt but start to decompose at these temperatures.
Kevlar Nomex
170ºC 120-220ºC

15. Drawbacks
 Quickly absorbs moisture.
 Poor UV resistance.
 Difficult to cut and to grind without special equipment. (e.g. special scissors for
cutting)
 Poor compressive properties.
ARAMID FIBERS 15

16. Applications
Buildings
 Fire proofing walls due to its flame-retardancy.
 Insulation of electrical wires.
Protective Textiles
 Uncutable gloves.
 Helmets.
 Bullet-proof wests.
 Astronauts suits.
Sports
 Rackets.
 Tyres.
 Boats.
 Bicycles.
ARAMID FIBERS 16

17. ARAMID FIBERS 17
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