Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:Kevlar 29 Vs Kevlar 49

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Kevlar 29 vs Kevlar 49

Kevlar® 29 is used in the manufacture of body armour (panels) for lightweight military vehicles. A good example is the US Army’s ‘Bradley Fighting Vehicle’. This has been used extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan. Kevlar® 29 was selected for its armour, because it is lightweight and withstands attack from RPGs. The Kevlar® 29 panels protect the soldiers inside the vehicle.

Kevlar® 29 is ideal because it is lightweight and non-flammable and it offers protection from high temperatures (fire bombs, Molotov cocktails etc...). Kevlar® 29 can also withstand the harsh environmental conditions, found in hot climates.

Kevlar® 49 is used for specialist boat hulls and in the aerospace industry. It is popular as a material for boats because it is lightweight and can withstand a considerable amount of force (torque - twisting force), tensile stress and impact. Hulls manufactured from traditional materials, such as fibreglass, are limited in their resistance to forces and stress. Also, a lightweight boat is faster on the water and uses less fuel to complete distances.

Eurofighter is relatively light compared to other similar fighter jets, due to the selection of Kevlar ® 49 as a material in its manufacture. This means that it can fly faster and further, before in-flight refuelling is needed. It is more agile than its rivals due to excellent force (torque - twisting force) and tensile stress resistance. The plane is more likely to survive being hit by small arms fire, compared to other fighter planes, as Kevlar ® 49 has excellent impact resistance. 

FURTHER ADVANTAGES OF USING KEVLARKevlar® has a range of advantages, not only its relative low weight and high strength:

Laminated Kevlar® is very stable at high temperatures and it is impact and scratch resistant.

Kevlar® is often combined with other materials, to produce textiles with enhanced properties, such as fire resistant clothing for the Fire Services.

Kevlar is used in some quality walking boots because it is waterproof (when combined with other materials as a composite) but also breathable, ensuring comfort.

When Kevlar is used as a composite with rubber, it retains its flexibility. This composite material is used in the manufacture of Formula One Racing Car petrol tanks. The tank holds the petrol safely, even in the event of an accident. The material cannot be pieced by other car components, even during a high speed impact. The petrol does not escape / leak, avoiding fire and explosions. The lightweight tank, adds to the reduced weight of the entire vehicle, leading to a faster racing car.

source:technologystudent/heaterk