Anything tougher than Kevlar?

golok

golok

Joined
Oct 20, 2000
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I have read about the attributes of Kevlar. It has been around for years.

Are there any materials currently that would give Kevlar a run for its money?

What are the main uses for Kevlar these days, besides the obvious ones?
 
There is at least one material stronger than kevlar, but I can't remember it's name. As far as uses, outside of the normal protective clothing use, it's used for canoe bodies and bicycle tire sidewalls (been there for a decade at least). I'm sure there are more.

Added: The reason it's used in bike tires is for added puncture resistance and to give a tire a better folding capability. Wirebead tires don't fold well. Important? Sure, if you like carrying a spare tire with you while you bike. Dunno if they still do it, but many racers used to carry and extra tire (not uncommon to rip a sidwall while mountain biking).

Chris
 
Spectra fiber? Other uses for Kevlar: watch straps, gloves, glove reinforcement.
 
Originally posted by dzig
Spectra fiber? Other uses for Kevlar: watch straps, gloves, glove reinforcement.
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Spectra was the one I couldn't think of. Thanks.

Chris
 
there are two that can out perform kevlar in certain areas...one is spectra which is a by product of the space program and has actually been around for a decade or two and only became comercially cost effective around 1995.....the other is aramid which i dont know much about but has been around for a few years....depending on what characteristic you are looking for one material will outshine another in certain areas
 
kevlar was originally devoloped for use in radial tires, chemially it looks like nylon with a phenol ring inserted, nomex is also chemically similar to Kevlar.

If they ever get synthetic spider silk up and running that would be better.
 
Spectra2000, Dyneema, and Microdyneema also have certain advantages for particular uses. Some of the best results seem to come from blending several of these super fibers.
 
I used kevlar for years in Wind Surfers.....it is some tough stuff, but carbon fiber is tougher, and lighter......carbon fiber is baaaaad!
 
Originally posted by tom mayo
I used kevlar for years in Wind Surfers.....it is some tough stuff, but carbon fiber is tougher, and lighter......carbon fiber is baaaaad!
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Can carbon fiber be used for armor?
 
carbon fiber can be really good for structures...like tubes...but it would suck for armor...as it is brittle....especially when cold.
 
Carbon Graphite Composite, thats as strong as it gets !.. For now anyway ;)
 
Dan McHale, who makes possibly the best backpacks in the world, uses spectra in some of his packs.
 
Originally posted by Quarterstaff
Spectra is also used for fishing lines. For example: Spider Wire and Power Pro.
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I was underwhelmed by SpiderWire. It abraided too easily (and then broke), was expensive, and tended to "spring" off the spool of my spinning reel and knot up so bad I had to cut the knot out. I do most of my fishing in creeks and rivers that are typically choked with submerged logs and limbs. I did like how thin it was for a given weight, but I doubt I'll bother with it again.

Chris
 
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