What is Kevlar?

Kevlar is a high-strength synthetic aramid fiber developed in 1965 by American chemist Stephanie Kwolek at DuPont. The brand name is derived from a combination of different syllables and refers to para-aramid polymer fibers with exceptional mechanical properties.

What are the material properties of Kevlar?

Kevlar is characterized by extremely high tensile strength—about five times higher than that of steel of the same weight. The fibers are significantly lighter than metals, heat-resistant up to approximately 400°C, and resistant to many chemicals. This combination of strength, low weight, and durability makes Kevlar a sought-after high-performance material.

In which areas is Kevlar used?

The material is widely used in safety technology (bulletproof vests, helmets), the automotive industry (brake pads, drive belts), aerospace, sporting goods, and telecommunications (fiber optic reinforcement). Kevlar has particularly revolutionized the development of lightweight protective equipment.

As one of the most important synthetic high-performance materials of the 20th century, Kevlar is now used in over 200 different applications and has redefined standards in terms of safety and material efficiency.