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