Aramid Fibers

First U.S. Commercial Aramid Fiber Production: 1961, DuPont Company

Current U.S. Aramid Fiber Producers: E.I. DuPont de Nemours Inc.

Federal Trade Commission Definition for Aramid Fiber: A manufactured fiber in which the fiberforming substance is a long-chain synthetic polyamide in which at least 85% of the amide (-CO-NH-) linkages are attached directly between two aromatic rings. (Complete FTC Fiber Rules here.)

Basic Principles of Aramid Fiber Production — Aramid is spun as a multifilament by a proprietary process developed by DuPont Company

Aramid Fiber Characteristics

• No melting point
• Low flammability
• Good fabric integrity at elevated temperatures
• Para-aramid fibers, which have a slightly different molecular structure, also provide outstanding strength-to-weight properties, high tenacity and high modulus.

Some major Aramid Fiber uses — Flame-resistant clothing, protective vests and helmets, composites, asbestos replacement, hot air filtration fabrics, tire and mechanical rubber goods reinforcement, ropes and cables, sail cloth, sporting goods.