Kevlar was invented in 1965 by Stephanie Kwolek while working at DuPont. It is a synthetic para-aramid fiber that is 5 times stronger than steel by weight. Kwolek received a patent for Kevlar in 1974. Since then, Kevlar has been mass produced since 1971 and introduced to the US Army in 1978 for body armor and helmets. While the production of Kevlar has not changed much, its applications have expanded from armor and protection to fields like cryogenics, audio equipment, smartphones, tires, sports accessories, and protective gear for the military and firefighters.

1. Kevlar
By: Hannah Badger & Ryan Ross
Intro into Engineering
6th hour

2. Original Invention
• Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar in 1965
when working with high performance
chemicals at DuPont company.
• It is made with light para-aramid synthetic
fiber.
• Compared to steel by weight, it is 5 times
stronger.
• Kwolek’s patent for Kevlar was granted in
1974.

3. Timeline
• 1965 ~ Kevlar was made
• 1971 ~ Kevlar was mass produced
• 1978 ~ Kevlar was introduced to the
U.S. army as body armor and helmets
(army is one of the biggest buyers of Kevlar)

4. Changes in Kevlar
• The making of Kevlar hasn’t changed a lot.
• Thechanges would be altering it for different
needs.
• Ex: Kevlar Correctional
• Kevlar Correctional is Kevlar altered to stop
something sharp from stabbing you.
• Officers working in jails use this in case an
inmate has gotten a hold of something that
can stab them.

5. Uses
• The making of Kevlar hasn’t changed much
but what it is used for has changed
– Cryogenics
– Armor (bullet proof vests)
– Personal protection
– Shoes & socks
– Audio equipment
– Smartphone
– Ect.

6. Society
• Whether you know this or not, Kevlar is in
Kevlar in tires. is infor public use.
a ton of Kevlar
things this Motorola Droid!
Kevlar is in sport accessories.

7. Kevlar also protects the people
that protect you.
Military Body
gear Firefighter gear
Tactical Vests