Aramid fibres are high-performance fibres used by a range of industries because of their excellent physical and chemical properties. From manufacturing body and vehicle armour for the military and defence industry to making bicycle tyres and marine ropes, aramid fibres are truly versatile. Aramid fibres are also used in aerospace and marine engineering and as a safe substitute for asbestos.
Aramid is short for aromatic polyamide, a synthetic organic polymer produced by spinning solid fibre from a liquid chemical blend to form long-chain synthetic polyamides. They have superior resistance to heat, low flammability, and high resistance to organic solvents. The only things aramid fibres are sensitive to is ultraviolet light, acids, and some salts.
Aramids have been around since the early 1960s when they were first developed by DuPont. Since then, they have become an essential component of many products and applications. Goonvean Fibres use para-aramids like Kevlar for applications that require very harsh conditions. For less harsh environments, Goonvean uses meta-aramids like Nomex.
Because of the many benefits aramid fibres possess, they are excellent for manufacturing high-quality products required to perform in difficult or hazardous environments. Aramid fibres are versatile and valuable and are guaranteed to ensure products stand the test of time. Other benefits of aramid fibres include:
1. Excellent Chemical and Thermal Stability
Aramid fibres are resistant to most chemicals and can withstand high temperatures without degradation. This makes them ideal for harsh environments and places where there is an increased risk of exposure to chemicals.
2. High Tensile Modulus & Strength
Aramid fibres are well-known for their high tensile strength, the maximum amount of force a material can withstand before breaking. Aramid fibres have a higher tenacity than most other fibre materials, which is why they are essential components in the aerospace, defence, and industrial applications.
3. Low Density
Aramid fibres have low density, making them lighter than other materials used for similar applications. This is particularly important in aerospace and marine engineering, where reducing weight is a top priority so that vehicles can fly and sail.
4. Heat Resistant & Non-flammable
Aramids are non-flammable and won’t ignite under normal circumstances. They can withstand high temperatures and don’t start to break down until they hit 500 degrees, making them ideal for products used in environments where fires or explosions may occur.
5. Insulation Properties
Aramid fibres are also good insulators, meaning they can help to protect against heat and electrical currents.
6. Resistance to Impact and Damage
Highly resistant to impact and damage, aramid fibres can withstand wear and tear better than most other materials. This makes them ideal for manufacturing products that need to withstand large amounts of impact (like armour) and generally to increase the longevity of products.
7. Low Moisture Absorption
Aramid fibres absorb very little water and are less likely to be damaged by water than other materials. This is particularly important for products like ropes and cables that require low moisture absorption in wet environments or underwater applications.
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We manufacture milled aramid fibres (also known as flocks) to improve the properties of industrial materials and products. They can be added to products whilst they are wet or dry for additional strength and reinforcement. Our flocks can be used by gasket and seal manufacturers, as reinforcement for base materials and to prevent micro-cracks from forming in finished products.
If you are looking for a fibre that can offer high performance and reliability in manufacturing, aramid fibres should be at the top of your list. To find out more about our aramid fibres and flocks, order a sample or contact us.