Chapter 8

Manufacturing and Properties

of Aramid Reinforced Composites

Z. Denchev, N. Dencheva

8.1. Introduction
The development of aromatic polyamides (aramids) had its beginning in the early 1960s
in an industrial corporation (DuPont) and was a combination of fundamental science,
engineering, and applications research from its very early stages. The broad range of
properties of aramids and their structural variety are the main reason for their utility in
diverse applications [1].
The key property of aramid fiber reinforced composites in comparison with other fiber
containing polymers is the cost-effective performance at reduced weight. Glass fibers, for
example, are much cheaper but display lower strength and modulus, increasing also the
weight. Carbon fibers have the highest strength and modulus of the three fiber types,
but show the lowest elongation and are more expensive than aramids. Aramid fibers possess
a unique combination of high strength and modulus with low density and high elongation
that results in improved impact resistance of the respective composites. Together with
the different carbon fiber grades, aramid fibers are the dominant reinforcement in fiber
reinforced polymers (FRP) for demanding applications in aerospace industry where
excellent mechanical properties per unit weight are required [2]. Thus, in aircrafts, aramid
fibers are used in FRP for storage bins, air ducts, in a variety of core (honeycomb) struc-
tures, as well as in secondary aircraft structures. Aramids high tensile strength lends itself
well to the manufacture of sporting goods where weight can be reduced significantly while
providing greater tear strength and puncture resistance than fiberglass composites. Sailing
boat fuselages, hockey shafts, golf club shafts, fishing rods, and tennis rackets have
incorporated aramid composites. In skis, aramid fibers dampen vibration for smoother,