MODULE 2.

HIGH STRENGTH HIGH MODULUS FIBRES

2.1. Aramids: Polymerization, Spinning and Properties

(3 Lectures)

The term aramid is short for aromatic polyamide".

According to the Federal Trade Commission the definition for aramid fibre is:

A manufactured fibre in which the fibre-forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polyamide in which at least 85% of the amide (-CONH-) linkages are attached directly between two aromatic rings.

These fibres have much superior mechanical properties than steel and glass fibres on an equal weight basis, and maintain these properties at
high temperatures. Due to these properties, they are displacing metal wires and inorganic fibres from the market of high performance
applications and are widely used in areas like protective clothing for hostile environment where heat, chemicals and radiation are present. By
definition, the aramid family will cover Kevlar, Nomex, Technora, Teijinconex, Twaron etc fibres.

Like nylons these can also be classified as AB and AABB type polymers.