Introduction
Aramid fiber is a heat-resistant and strong synthetic fiber. It is used in the manufacture of bullet-proof vests, sails, tires, and other industrial and commercial products.
Aramid fibers are made from polymers that contain the aromatic group. The most common type of aramid fiber is Kevlar. Kevlar is used in bullet-proof vests and other protective gear because it is incredibly strong for its weight.
Aramid fibers have also been used in sails for yachts and racing boats because they are resistant to ultraviolet light and do not degrade in salt water. They are also used in tires because of their resistance to wear and tear.
Further Reading: The Future is Bright for Aramid Fibers
The Benefits of Aramid Fiber
Aramid fiber is a type of strong, synthetic fiber. It’s used in a variety of products, including bulletproof vests and fire-resistant clothing.
Aramid fiber is lightweight and strong. It’s also heat-resistant and doesn’t melt like other synthetic fibers. That makes it ideal for use in products that need to withstand high temperatures.
Aramid fiber is also chemical-resistant. That means it won’t break down when exposed to harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions. That makes it ideal for use in products that come into contact with harsh chemicals, such as pool liners and industrial filters.
This is being driven by the increased demand for flexible and lightweight materials in the automotive and military & defense industries. Many industry players are forced to search for lightweight, strong and fuel-efficient alternatives due to regulations regarding carbon emissions. This industry is growing due to increased demand for stronger, lighter and more durable ropes and cables that can lift heavier loads and reach deeper depths.
The industry growth is expected to be driven by rising product demand in various industries such as healthcare, oil & gas and manufacturing. This is due to strict government regulations regarding workplace safety.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that a passenger car emits approximately 4.7 metric tons CO2 annually. International governments are emphasizing the importance of strict environmental regulations. The US EPA regularly modifies and enforces several norms to reduce vehicular emissions.
High-performance materials such as aramid fibers can be used in composites that have high load-bearing capacities, high mechanical and chemical strengths, excellent thermal resistance, or lightweight materials. These fibers are subject to extensive R&D in order to produce high-quality products that can be used for industrial filtration and security. The R&D costs of materials, man-hours, and technology are very high which has resisted the growth of the aramid fiber.
Trends
Automotive industry uses aramid fibers in the manufacture of reinforcement materials for tires and turbocharger hoses. Powertrain components include belts, brake pads, clutches, seat fabrics, electronics, sensors, hybrid motor materials, and gaskets.
The automotive industry has seen a decline in recent years. OICA estimates that around 77.62 millions vehicles were manufactured globally in 2020, compared to 92.18million vehicles in 2019. This shows a decrease in growth of 15.8%.
In May 2020, HYOSUNG and Ulsan City (South Korea) signed an MOU to jointly invest in the extension of the Aramid facility. HYOSUNG plans to invest USD 54 millions in its Aramid factory, Ulsan. The factory will be fully operational by the second half of 2021. It will also increase the factory’s production capacity from 1,200 tonnes to 3,700 tons per year.
Aramid fiber is a type of synthetic fiber that offers a number of advantages over other fibers, including its high strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to abrasion and chemical damage, and low thermal expansion. However, there are also some drawbacks to using this material.
One downside of aramid fiber is that it is not as elastic as other fibers, meaning that it is more likely to snap or break under stress. It is also less resistant to UV radiation than other synthetic fibers, so it may degrade more quickly when exposed to sunlight. Additionally, aramid fiber is more expensive than many other types of synthetic fibers.
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