Kevlar-based Composite Material and its Applications in Body Armour: A Short Literature Review
Anand Narayanan Nair, Santhosh Sundharesan, Issa Saif Mohammed Al Tubi
Abstract
Abstract Kevlar is a synthetic fibre which has gained worldwide attention due to its numerous industrial applications. It is mostly used in combination with other materials and acts as an effective composite material. Scientifically known as poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), the Kevlar monomer has 14 carbon atoms, ten hydrogen atoms, two nitrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. A Kevlar polymer chain can have monomers ranging from five to one million bonded to each other with a molecular formula of [-CO-C6H4-CO-NH-C6H4-NH-] n , where n represents the number of monomers. Kevlar has a wide variety of applications ranging from bicycle tyres to aerospace applications. Based on the applications, Kevlar fibres are graded in various ranges. This paper provides insight into major research on Kevlar, especially in defence applications.