It’s been used as a reinforcement material in tires for more than four decades, and now Kevlar has been tweaked to give it extra oomph.

Tyres & Accessories reported that DuPont has introduced what it calls its DuPont Kevlar Advanced Performance (Kevlar AP) range of fibers – products that, despite a lighter weight, offer 15% more strength than standard Kevlar fibres. The first cab off the rank in the new line-up is Kevlar K29 AP.  

Kevlar AP, explains DuPont, can save costs while delivering greater design flexibility for manufacturers that supply automotive, construction, oil and gas, ropes, fiber optic cables and utility customers. Further products will be added to the range and DuPont is quick to out that tire industry application is high on the list of uses for the new product.

“Kevlar fiber can strengthen and reinforce a wide range of products because of its lightweight strength, dimensional stability, corrosion resistance, thermal stability and other unique properties,” said Tom Powell, president of DuPont Protection Technologies. “In many applications, customers will be able to use less fibre 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.”