G08: Sciences - Synthetic Materials: Kevlar

Kevlar was developed in the 1960s in response to a demand for a ‘super fibre’. It certainly met those demands.

Kevlar is five times as strong as steel on a weight for weight basis, yet at the same time is lightweight, flexible and comfortable, hence one of its most longstanding uses – in bullet proof clothing.

we now rely on synthetic materials such as Kevlar®. It's a plastic strong enough to stop bullets and knives—often described as being "five times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis." [1] It has many other uses too, from making boats and bowstrings to reinforcing tires and brake pads. [2] Let's take a closer look at how it's made and what makes it so tough!