Kevlar Properties Investigation High Speed Abrasion Resistance

摘要

Kevlar has acquired a reputation for poor abrasion resistance. Replacement of nylon parachute materials with Kevlar has been hampered by Kevlar's reputation. However, abrasion testing of these materials under conditions designed to simulate parachute deployment had never been performed. A test procedure was designed to simulate the high speed rubbing of Kevlar and nylon webbings, braids and ribbons against themselves and a common abrasive surface under various conditions of loading at speeds ranging from 20 to 240 fps. Evaluation of abrasive damage was based upon strength loss for each material at each test condition. Extensive testing of both Kevlar and nylon materials showed conclusively that Kevlar's resistance to abrasive damage sustained due to high speed rubbing was superior to that of nylon. Investigation of the effects of many test parameters on strength loss due to abrasive damage showed that Kevlar relative to nylon was much less affected by test speed and normal force due to its superior thermal stability. (Author)