Overcoming Aramid Fabric Limitations: Erez’s Breakthrough in Product Development 

Aramid fabric, renowned for its exceptional strength and durability, has long been recognized as one of the strongest textile materials available. With its high tensile strength and resistance to abrasion, Kevlar® fabric has found applications in various industries, including aerospace, defense, boats, and industrial safety and more. However, despite its remarkable properties, Kevlar® fabric has been limited in its widespread use due to certain inherent drawbacks. 

In this article, we will explore the limitations associated with Kevlar® fabric and delve into how Erez Technical Textiles has overcome these obstacles with their groundbreaking product development.

* It’s important to note that the term “Kevlar® fabric” is commonly used in this article to refer to aramid fabric which is a synthetic fiber. Kevlar® is a well-known brand created by DuPont that produces aramid fibers, it is crucial to understand that Kevlar is just one of the many aramid fiber brands available in the market. Therefore, when we mention “Kevlar fabric” throughout this article, we are actually referring to aramid fabric in general, encompassing various brands and manufacturers

Limitations of Kevlar® fabric

Cost

One of the primary limitations of Kevlar® fabric lies in its cost. The production process for aramid fibers involves complex and specialized techniques, resulting in a higher manufacturing expense compared to conventional textile materials. As a result, affordability becomes a significant factor limiting its broader adoption across various industries.

Moisture Absorption

Another limitation is its tendency to absorb moisture. Unlike synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon, aramid fibers have a higher affinity for water molecules, leading to moisture absorption and subsequent changes in fabric properties. This moisture absorption can negatively impact the performance and durability, especially in applications where moisture resistance is critical. 

Poor Coating Adhesion

Kevlar® fabric poses a challenge in terms of coating adhesion. The unique surface characteristics of aramid fibers make it difficult for coatings to adhere effectively, compromising the performance and longevity of the coated fabric. 

Weak UV Resistance

Another known limitation of Kevlar® fabric is its poor resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When exposed to sunlight or UV radiation, Kevlar fabric can undergo degradation and discoloration. This limitation restricts its usage in outdoor applications, such as marine products or outdoor equipment, where protection against UV radiation is crucial for long-term durability.

Let’s explore how we, at Erez Technical Textiles, have addressed these limitations through their groundbreaking product development, revolutionizing the potential applications of Kevlar® fabric.

Two Groundbreaking Developments By Erez

We at Erez, introduced a revolutionary product line that effectively overcomes the limitations of Aramid fabric. This groundbreaking innovation comes in two versions, unlocking countless possibilities for aramid applications across industries where its use was previously impractical. With these newly developed products, industries can now achieve unprecedented levels of mechanical properties, including enhanced tear resistance, exceptional strength, and superior overall performance while maintaining lighter weight.

1. Bonding Layer for Coating Adhesion 

A bonding layer that enables the effective coating of 100% Kevlar® fabric. This breakthrough allows for high and reliable adhesion of coatings in a wide range of applications. By enhancing the coating adhesion, we expand the potential uses of Aramid fabric, offering industries the opportunity to leverage its exceptional strength and durability while enjoying the benefits of functional coatings.

2. Polyester-Aramid Hybrid Fabric 

In addition to the bonding layer solution, we developed a hybrid fabric that combines polyester and aramid yarns. This fabric achieves an ideal balance between strength, tear resistance, and weight. By strategically combining these two materials, we created a fabric that surpasses traditional Kevlar fabrics in performance and versatility. This innovative hybrid fabric provides an optimal solution for industries seeking materials that are both lightweight and exceptionally strong. To create this innovative hybrid fabric, we employ a specialized weaving method known as “Ripstop”. Within this intricate weaving process, a carefully calculated amount of aramid threads are strategically inserted between the rows of the polyester base. This careful integration ensures the optimal distribution of aramid fibers throughout the fabric. By finding the perfect blend between polyester and aramid, we can achieve a fabric with enhanced tear resistance and strength that excels in performance.

Advantages of the Polyester-Aramid Hybrid Fabric

1. Affordability 

In comparison to other fabrics that offer high levels of mechanical properties, such as tear strength, while maintaining a lightweight profile, our polyester aramid hybrid fabric stands out for its remarkable cost efficiency. The combination of polyester and aramid fibers in our hybrid fabric results in a more affordable solution without compromising on performance. This cost advantage allows industries to access a superior strength fabric without straining their budgets, making it an economically viable choice for various applications.

2. Moisture Resistance

Moisture absorption has historically posed challenges for Kevlar® fabrics, impacting their strength and performance. However, our polyester aramid hybrid fabric exhibits exceptional moisture resistance. By incorporating polyester fibers into the hybrid structure, our fabric mitigates moisture absorption and maintains its mechanical properties even in humid or wet conditions. This enhanced moisture resistance ensures consistent performance and longevity, making it suitable for demanding environments where moisture control is crucial.

3. Enhanced Coating Adhesion

Poor coating adhesion has limited the versatility of traditional Aramid fabrics, hindering their suitability for certain applications. In contrast, our polyester aramid hybrid fabric offers enhanced coating adhesion. Through the meticulous integration of polyester and aramid fibers, our fabric creates a surface that promotes excellent adhesion for functional coatings and treatments. This breakthrough ensures that coatings adhere effectively, leading to improved durability, performance, and expanded application possibilities. For example, thanks to our ability to coat it with materials resistant to both UV and hydrolysis, we can now benefit from the performance of Aramid in outdoor and marine products.

Elevate Your Product’s Performance Standards With Erez

At Erez Technical Textiles, we are driven by a relentless pursuit of textile innovation to meet our customers’ evolving needs. Our polyester aramid hybrid fabric embodies this commitment, addressing the limitations of Armaid fabric and providing exceptional strength and performance.

By seamlessly blending polyester and aramid, we strike the perfect balance between tear resistance, strength, and weight. 

We understand the importance of cost-effectiveness. Our innovative hybrid fabric offers a way for our customers to improve their product’s performance while staying within budget.

Join us on this exciting journey as we revolutionize Kevlar® fabric and shape the future of industries through strength, performance, and innovation.