Aramid Fiber
Aramid is one of the three major man-made high-performance fibers, and some of its performance advantages are significant: Aramid, carbon fiber, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene are also known as the three major man-made high-performance fibers. It has the characteristics of high strength, high modulus, high wear resistance and high temperature resistance. Aramid has advantages over ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and carbon fiber in terms of temperature resistance and elongation at break respectively. Aramid has obvious advantages in structural reinforcement, safety protection, and wear resistance.
Diversified factors drive high growth in demand for aramid fiber, and new energy applications open up market space: According to Teijin’s forecast, driven by intensified geopolitical disputes, increased demand from individuals and businesses, and growth in the rubber reinforcement field, the global aramid fiber market size will increase from 36% in 2021 to 36% in 2021. billion to US$5.3 billion in 2025. Para-aramid grows faster than meta-aramid. In addition, with the increasing importance of lithium battery safety, lifespan, performance and other factors, aramid fiber, as the best-performing lithium battery separator coating material, is expected to replace traditional ceramic or organic coatings, and the penetration rate is expected to increase significantly. It is conservatively predicted that the market space of aramid coated separators will be 4.4 billion yuan in 2025, and the upward space elasticity will be huge if the coating cost further decreases.
Aramid: Aromatic Polyamide Synthetic Fiber
Aramid fibers are high-polymer long-chain molecules composed of amide groups and aromatic rings or their derivatives, collectively known as “aromatic polyamide fibers,” abbreviated as “aramid.” Because the aromatic groups replace the aliphatic groups, the main chain structure is primarily composed of rod-like molecular structures formed by para-positions of benzene rings. Due to the presence of highly conjugated benzene rings, the molecular chain segments are difficult to undergo internal rotation, reducing molecular chain flexibility while increasing rigidity. The molecular main chains of aramid fibers exhibit good regularity, containing rigid crystallizable units. The liquid crystal form arranges in parallel to create a high degree of internal molecular chain segment order, achieving high modulus. During the spinning process, this structure can densely stack in multiple layers along the fiber orientation within a limited space, endowing the polymer with high strength.
Structurally, aramid fibers are divided into para-aramid (1414) and meta-aramid (1313)
Aramid fibers possess characteristics such as high strength, high modulus, low density, and high abrasion resistance, exhibiting excellent physical and chemical properties. Aramid fibers, along with carbon fibers and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, are collectively known as the world’s three major high-performance synthetic fibers.
Aramid is divided into para-aramid (PPTA) and meta-aramid (PMIA). According to different structures, aramid can be divided into para-aramid (PPTA), meta-aramid (PMIA) and ortho-aramid. Among them, ortho-aramid is generally not considered due to its low commercial value. Para-aramid is synthesized by dissolving and drawing phthaloyl chloride (TPC) and p-phenylenediamine (PPD) as polymer monomers, and is arranged in a linear structure. Meta-aramid is made from the condensation polymerization of isophthaloyl chloride (IPC) and meta-phenylenediamine (MPD), and has a zigzag structure.
| Para Aramid | Meta aramid | |
| Raw Material | Terephthaloyl chloride, p-phenylenediamine | Isophthaloyl chloride, m-phenylenediamine |
| Features | High strength, high modulus | High strength, high modulus |
| Disadvantage | It has poor hygroscopicity, poor light resistance, UV resistance, poor stability to sunlight, and difficulty in dyeing;
It is not easy to degrade and difficult to recycle. |
lower tensile strength and modulus |
Aramid fibers have significant advantages in terms of high-temperature resistance
The downstream demand for meta-aramid in optical cable reinforcement, protection, and the automotive sector is experiencing high growth.
The primary downstream applications of para-aramid include ballistic protection and optical fiber reinforcement. Para-aramid is predominantly used in ballistic protection, optical fiber reinforcement, rubber reinforcement, and friction sealing fields. According to data from the “Aramid Development Status and Future Trends” report, globally, the applications of para-aramid in ballistic protection and friction materials each account for 30%. However, due to the relatively later development of para-aramid in China compared to other countries and the influence of the domestic industrial structure, the downstream applications of para-aramid in China are mainly concentrated in optical fiber reinforcement and safety protection, with application shares of 40% and 30%, respectively. Additionally, automotive hoses are also a major application of para-aramid in China.
What are the applications for Aramid?
There are many applications for aramid fiber and filaments.
Tires including Aircraft tires, racing tires, passenger car tires, truck and construction vehicle tires, motorcycle tires, bicycle tires
Features are with Lightweight, high strength, high modulus, dimensionally stable, low shrinkage, puncture resistant.
Rubber products including Conveyor belts, transmission belts, automotive hoses, hydraulic system hoses, marine exploration hoses, oil and gas pipelines, idler rollers, coated fabrics, air springs
Features are with High strength, high modulus, dimensional stability, good heat resistance, chemical resistance
Ballistic armor including Bulletproof vests, helmets, body armor, vehicle protection, protection of strategic facilities
Features are with High strength, good energy absorption, lightweight, comfortable
FR Garments include Firefighting suits, fire retardant blankets, heat-resistant workwear, flame-resistant fabrics, cut-resistant gloves, cut-resistant seat fabrics
Features are with
Friction seal insulation materials include Brake linings, clutch facings, seals, gaskets, washers, varistors, industrial papers, insulation materials
Composites include Aerospace structural reinforcement, shipbuilding, high-speed train compartment partitions, pressure vessels, container structures, sports and leisure equipment, plastic additives, civil engineering, concrete reinforcement.
Ropes include Pipeline and cable reinforcement, general cable reinforcement, rope cables for mechanical structures, ropes for marine applications.
Optical cable include Optical cable reinforcement materials, airborne and shipborne radar domes, transparent/transmitting structural materials, lightweight antennas, special printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic and electrical structural components for motion control.