Final answer:
Kevlar is the commercial name for aramid fibers, a strong synthetic polymer discovered by Susan Kwolek, used in bulletproof vests, military equipment, and various civilian applications due to its high tensile strength-to-weight ratio.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kevlar is the commercial name for aramid fibers. It is a synthetic polymer made from two monomers: 1,4-phenylene-diamine and terephthaloyl chloride, and it is a registered trademark of DuPont. The inception of Kevlar dates back to the research conducted by Susan Kwolek, who aimed to find alternatives to steel for use in tires. This invention has led to several applications, including making body armor, combat helmets, and lightweight sports equipment, highlighting its outstanding tensile strength-to-weight ratio, which is approximately five times stronger than steel of equal weight.
Kevlar is the commercial name for aramid fibers. It is a synthetic polymer made from two monomers, 1,4-phenylene-diamine and terephthaloyl chloride. Kevlar is known for its high tensile strength-to-weight ratio, making it about 5 times stronger than an equal weight of steel. It is widely used in various applications such as bulletproof vests, boat construction, mountaineering ropes, and lightweight sports equipment.
Kevlar has also been used for military purposes, such as in the PASGT helmet and vests for ground troops since the 1980s. Its use extends to protection for armored fighting vehicles and aircraft carriers. Civilian uses involve protective gear for emergency personnel, such as police officers and firefighters' body armor and heat-resistant clothing. The material's benefits are not limited to defense; it is also utilized in composites for boat construction, mountaineering ropes, and even in cryogenics due to its very low thermal conductivity, maintaining its strength at extremely low temperatures.
The discovery and development of Kevlar showcase how chemistry plays a vital role in our everyday lives, leading to life-saving and performance-enhancing materials.