United States-based DuPont has developed a new DuPont™ Kevlar® variant called Advanced Performance (AP) fiber. The first product to be introduced to the marketplace is Kevlar K29 AP, and suitable applications for the fiber include automotive belts, tires and hoses; and composites, ropes and electro mechanical cables used in industries such as oil and gas, and construction. DuPont reports Kevlar K29 AP is up to 15 percent stronger than standard K29 fiber, and is available in a range of deniers.


"Kevlar fiber is used to strengthen and reinforce a wide range of products because of its lightweight strength, dimensional stability, corrosion resistance, thermal stability and other unique properties," said Thomas G. Powell, president, DuPont Protection Technologies. "In many applications, customers will be able to use less fiber for the same or better performance. This is the type of innovation our customers want, and underscores our commitment to the high-performance materials market."

October/November/December 2009