Physics Presentation Research

http://www.technologystudent.com/joints/kevlar2.html, V. Ryan 2011, accessed 18/11/2013 Kevlar is a material formed by combining para-phenylenediamine and terephthaloyl chloride. Aromatic polyamide (aramid) threads are the result. They are further refined, by dissolving the threads and spinning them into regular fibres. When woven, Kevlar forms a strong and flexible material. If layers of the woven Kevlar are combined with layers of resin, the resulting rigid material is light and has twenty times the strength of steel. It is also superior to specialist metal alloys. However, Kevlar is expensive due to the demands of the manufacturing process and the need for specialist equipment. Kevlar 29 is used in the manufacture of body armour (panels) for lightweight military vehicles. A good example is the US Armys 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 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.

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/kevlar/lock.gif &imgrefurl=http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/kevlar/kevlarh.htm&usg=__zYkrEaSFtGxeMrL xpqdiJGBlFEk=&h=600&w=816&sz=115&hl=en&start=10&zoom=1&tbnid=zmo7CYsUWf0mi M:&tbnh=106&tbnw=144&ei=OQaKUpXyJ4GShQe1lYGADQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dkevlar% 26safe%3Dvss%26sa%3DX%26biw%3D1600%26bih%3D805%26sout%3D1%26tbm%3Disch& itbs=1&sa=X&ved=0CD4QrQMwCQ accessed 18/11/2013

What makes Kevlar so strong? And how can it be so light at the

same time? Vlodek Gabara, September 30, 2002, via Scientific

American Kevlar is an organic fiber in the aromatic polyamide (aramid) family that combines high strength with light weight, and comfort with protection. Kevlar is five times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis and provides reliable performance and solid strength. This unique combination of attributes ensures that members of law enforcement, corrections personnel and the military will be safe from harm that can come in many forms, including bullets, knives, switchblades and shrapnel. In fact, Kevlar garments have so far saved the lives of nearly 3,000 law enforcement officials.

Using organic polymers based on "light elements"--such as carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen--rather than "heavy elements" such as iron, gives the advantage of low-weight structures. For example, Kevlar fiber has a density of 1.4 grams per cubic centimeter compared with iron's 7.9 grams per cubic centimeter. To achieve both the strength and stiffness of Kevlar, the molecular chains within the organic fiber needed to be fully extended and perfectly aligned to make them strong, stiff and tough. Such a high degree of alignment was not easy to achieve. Kevlar fibers are based on poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide, a rigid molecule that makes it easier to realize a fully extended, or straight, chain configuration. Also, these rigid molecules will even arrange in solutions. Such solutions are called liquid crystalline, which underscores their good organization. Poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide molecules behave like uncooked spaghetti, whereas other, less rigid molecules behave more like cooked strands of spaghetti. Thus, the nature of the molecule makes it easier to achieve the desired aligned structure. In addition, polyparaphenylene terephthalamide strongly resists high temperatures and flames. Offering strength under heat, Kevlar protects against thermal hazards up to 800 degrees Farenheit. This combination of unusual properties makes Kevlar useful for a broad range of applications, such as ballistic vests, cut-resistant gloves and blast and flame barriers. Kevlar

http://www.slideshare.net/nashton/kevlar-presentation, Kevlar presentationby

nashton on Oct 19, 2010, Accessed 02/12/2013 Its molecular formula is [-CO-C6H4-CO-NH-C6H4-NH-]n

Kevlar when spun has a relative density of 1.44 and a tensile to weight ratio of 5:1. Kevlar is very heat resistant and decomposes at 675K without melting. The H-bonds between the molecules give the Kevlar its strength and durability as it has strong intermolecular forces.

http://prezi.com/snk_g2pslmsd/kevlar/ Kevlar, Courtney Pasco, April 2013, accessed 02/12/2013

http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blkevlar.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kevlar-3D-balls.png