KEVLARŪ is an advanced technology that helps transform the ordinary to the extraordinary. It combines high strength with light weight, and comfort with protection. Products made with KEVLARŪ brand fiber help those who use them to do more, to go farther, to be even better at what they do. Whether it's working in a plant, at a construction site or in a forest. Whether it's walking a beat, escorting a prisoner to his cell, or completing a tour of duty. Whether it's winning America's Cup, the Tour de France or the Boston Marathon. Whether it's protection from the hazards they face on the job every day, or the comfort and lightweight strength they rely on to help them achieve their personal best, men and women around the world rely on one brand—KEVLARŪ—to help them realize the Power of Performance.

Whether it's shrapnel from an explosion, a drunk with a gun or a hardened criminal with a deadly shiv, the need for protection among military, law enforcement and corrections personnel is vital. Year after year statistics have shown that wearing soft body armor can reduce the chance of bodily injury or death caused by criminal assault or unfortunate accident. We're now compiling real-life testimonials from actual survivors—members of the IACP/DUPONT KEVLAR SURVIVORS' CLUBŪ, for a special section of this site—testimonials that demonstrate first-hand how many lives can be saved by wearing a protective vest. We encourage you to visit this site in the near future for more information about KEVLARŪ for law enforcement and corrections and to read the stories these men and women, thanks to KEVLARŪ technology, have lived to tell.

KEVLARŪ is an advanced technology from DuPont that helps transform ordinary products into extraordinary ones. It combines high strength with light weight, and comfort with protection. Products made with KEVLARŪ—from protective apparel and sports equipment to automotive parts and ropes used on the Mars Pathfinder—help those who use them to do more, to go farther, to be even better at what they do.

KEVLARŪ is 5 times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis, yet, at the same time, is lightweight, flexible and comfortable. It is this unique combination of attributes that enable those who use it to realize success, to perform to their fullest potential and to achieve their personal best.

This is your glimpse into the world of KEVLARŪ . Read on to learn how and why this brand has become an integral part in improving performance in every day life and the many ways KEVLARŪ can make an impact in yours.

A History of the Power of Performance
The year is 1965. Two research scientists working in a corporate lab create a remarkable fiber. The technology they developed was one that enhanced strength, light weight and flexibility.

It offered numerous other benefits—ones that could be offered in a variety of forms. The scientists were Stephanie Kwolek and Herbert Blades. The company was DuPont. And the technology was KEVLARŪ .

And, because of the superior protection it provides, KEVLARŪ brand fiber quickly became the technology of choice for bullet-resistant vests. In fact, police officers have relied on the KEVLARŪ brand for more than 25 years because of the superior bullet-stopping power it offers. That power and protection comes packed at an extremely light weight, which provides both comfort and freedom of movement to those that wear KEVLARŪ.

The Properties of KEVLARŪ
KEVLARŪ is one of the most important manmade organic fibers ever developed. Because of its unique combination of properties, KEVLARŪ is used today in a wide variety of industrial applications. KEVLARŪ para-aramid fiber possesses a remarkable combination of properties that has led to its adoption in a variety of end-uses since its commercial introduction in the early 1970's.

Fibers of KEVLARŪ consist of long molecular chains produced from poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide. The chains are highly oriented with strong interchain bonding which result in a unique combination of properties.

General Features of KEVLARŪ :

• High Tensile Strength at Low Weight
• Low Elongation to Break High Modulus (Structural Rigidity)
• Low Electrical Conductivity
• High Chemical Resistance
• Low Thermal Shrinkage
• High Toughness (Work-To-Break)
• Excellent Dimensional Stability
• High Cut Resistance
• Flame Resistant, Self-Extinguishing

The Many Applications of KEVLARŪ ?
Today, the story of KEVLARŪ extends far beyond that DuPont laboratory. In the almost 40 years since its discovery, KEVLARŪ has played a significant role in many critical and diverse applications:

• Ropes that secure the airbags in the crucial landing apparatus of the Mars Pathfinder
• Small-diameter, lightweight ropes that hold 22,000 pounds and help moor the largest U.S. Navy vessels
• Shrapnel-resistant shielding in jet aircraft engines that will protect passengers in case an explosion occurs
• Run-flat tires that allow for greater safety because they won't ruin the rim when driving to the nearest assistance
• Gloves that protect hands and fingers against cuts, slashes and other injuries that often occur in glass and sheet metal factories
• Kayaks that provide better impact resistance with no extra weight
• Strong, lightweight skis, helmets and racquets that help lessen fatigue and boost exhilaration