Aramid Fiber Manufacturer: High Strength & Heat/Flame Resistant

KEVLAR® (Para aramids)

Para aramids -such as Kevlar®- are known for their incredible high strength and excellent heat/flame resistance. The high degree of crystallinity of the fibers is the main physical characteristic that transfers this excellent strength before breakage.

Meta-Aramid (Nomex®)

Meta aramids are a variety of polyamide that have outstanding heat/flame resistance. They possess excellent abrasion resistance and resistance towards chemical degradation.

Meta-Aramid	Standard Tenacity Para-Aramid	High Modulus Para-Aramid
Typical filament size (dpf)	2	1.5	1.5
Specific Gravity (g/cm3)	1.38	1.44	1.44
Tenacity (gpd)	4-5	20-25	22-26
Initial Modulus (g/dn)	80-140	500-750	800-1000
Elongation @ Break (%)	15-30	3-5	2-4
Continuous Operating Temperature (F)	400	375	375
Decomposition Temperature (F)	750	800-900	800-900

product description

Unlike other materials and fibers, that may require coatings and finishes to enhance their heat and /or flame protection, Kevlar® and Nomex® fibers are inherently flame-resistant and will not melt, drip, or support combustion. In other words, the thermal protection offered by Kevlar® and Nomex® is permanent — its superior flame resistance cannot be washed out or worn away. Materials that must be treated, in order to improve their fire-resisting performance (and whose protection may wane with wash and wear exposure) are known as “fire retardant.” Those with the superior inherent and permanent protection (i.e., Kevlar®, Nomex®, etc.) are referred to as “fire resistant.” This superior heat and flame-resisting ability allows these fibers – and the textiles produced from them – to meet many industry standards industry standards that other materials cannot. Both fibers are utilized (independently and in combination) for a wide array of products in fields such as:

Firefighting
Defense
Forging and Smelting
Welding
Electrical and Utility
Mining
Racing
Aerospace and Outer space
Refining and Chemical
And many others

As with all performance high-performing fibers, both Nomex® and Kevlar® have their weaknesses and limitations. For example, both will eventually degrade in performance and in color, with prolonged expose to UV light. Additionally, as porous materials, they will absorb water/moisture, and will gain weight as they take on water. Therefore, when evaluating a fiber(s) for a specific application, it is always crucial to take into consideration all potential actions, environments, and duration to which the end product will be exposed.