What do bulletproof vests, firefighters’ jackets and electrical insulation have in common? They are all made with aramid fiber. Aramid fiber is so named because it is made up of aromatic polyamides. There are two types: meta-aramid fiber and para-aramid fiber.
Meta-aramid fiber was invented in the 1960s by DuPont. The fiber is similar to normal textile fiber but is heat and flame resistant. It is also resistant to abrasion and organic solvents. Some uses for meta-aramid fiber are protective clothing for firefighters, military personnel and auto racers; electrical insulation; and as a substitute for asbestos in friction and sealing products. Three brands are Nomex, New Star, and Teijinconex.
Para-aramid fiber was developed in the 1960s and 1970s by DuPont and Akzo Nobel. This fiber is lightweight, stiff, and has greater strength than meta-aramid fiber. However, it degrades when exposed to alkalies, acids, and bleaches. Some uses for para-aramid fiber include bulletproof body armor, helicopter rotor blades, and wing assemblies. Fibracell woodwind reeds are also made using para-aramid fiber. Kevlar and Twaron are two brands.
Today’s market size shows worldwide aramid fiber revenues for 2019 and projected for 2027. Para-aramid fiber claimed 75.6% of revenues in 2019. Revenues for this segment of the market are expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 8.1% from 2020 to 2027. The growing need for security and protection in the military and in the mining, healthcare, oil and gas, and building construction industries is expected to fuel growth for aramid fiber over this time period. In 2019, security and protection applications claimed the highest market share, followed by frictional materials, optical fibers, and rubber reinforcement. Together these applications constituted more than three-quarters of the market. Besides DuPont de Nemours Inc. and Akzo Nobel N.V., some companies that produce aramid fiber include Teijin Aramid, Toray Industries Inc., Yantai Tayho Advanced Materials Co. Ltd., SBO Group Ltd., and Kermel Inc.
Year: 2019 and 2027
Market size: $3.6 billion and $6.8 billion, respectively
Sources: “Aramid Fiber Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product, by Application (Security & Protection, Tire Reinforcement, Optical Fibers, Rubber Reinforcement, Aerospace), by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2020 – 2027,” Grand View Research Report Summary, February 2020 available online here; “Aramid Fiber Market Size Worth $6.8 Billion by 2027 | CAGR: 8.2%: Grand View Research, Inc.,” CISION PR Newswire, February 20, 2020 available online here; “Aramid,” Wikipedia, January 5, 2020 available online here; “Aramid Fiber,” Conservation and Art Materials Encyclopedia Online, November 26, 2019 available online here; “The Great Reed Debate,” The Polydelphia Conservatory available online here.
Image source: ciobanucatalina, “firefighter-fireman-fire-4011614,” Pixabay, February 21, 2019 available online here.