In 1965, DuPont realized the need for a new tire that was light and durable in anticipation of a gasoline shortage. They hired a team of inventors led by Stephanie Kwolek to use polymers to develop new materials. Ultimately, Kwolek discovered that the poly terephthalate and polybenzamide she developed formed an amazing fiber.
She decided to ask technician Charles Smullen to run her new fibers through a machine called a "spinneret." The "spinneret" is designed to test the durability of fibers. Fibers like nylon often break during testing, but Kwolek was surprised to find that her fibers didn't break. After her discovery was made known to her superiors, they immediately established a previously unexplored field of polymer chemistry. By 1971, the fiber was further refined and tested and introduced to the world as Kevlar®.
The ultimate protective clothing material
Since its initial introduction, Kevlar has become the most commonly used material in body armor. At the same weight, Kevlar is five times stronger than steel. It's lightweight, easy to use, and super protective. Many soldiers and law enforcement officers are thankful for Kwolek's discovery, as it allows them to do their jobs safely and diligently, while also remaining comfortable. They no longer need to be overwhelmed by their protective gear. Kevlar gives them the protection they need, reassuring them that they will be protected even in the most dangerous situations.
Kevlar isn't just for body armor. Many people use Kevlar every day without even realizing it. Kevlar is used in clothing to provide people with extra protection from cuts, abrasions, or burns. The clothes are lightweight and thin enough to allow people to continue their activities as usual. Construction workers, road workers, and rail operators often wear protective clothing.
A large number of sports equipment also use Kevlar. The interior of bicycle tires is lined with Kevlar to give them extra strength and prevent punctures. Hockey sticks often use this material as a stronger, more durable, and lighter alternative to wood. Motorcycle safety suits may also have Kevlar knee, elbow, and shoulder pads.
Kevlar has revolutionized many industries: it is now used in most covert and overt body armor systems in the world. It has proven to be the best choice for a range of products. It enables us to do much more than previously thought. This improvement is most visible and impactful in the area of personal protection, including ballistic and stab-resistant materials.
Developments are currently underway to see if Kevlar can be made stronger. For these reasons, we have exclusively selected Kevlar as the material of choice for all of our vests.