Carbon conducts electricity but does aramid?

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

So I know that carbon is conductive but is aramid?

As far as I know aramid is a synthetic polymer (but I’m not 100% on that) so if that were the case then logically, no it is non conductive… can anyone answer this?

Antoher Q

what is the difference between aramid and kevlar? is it just the trade name?

#2

I’m pretty sure kevlar isn’t conductive.

Kevlar is Duponts trade name for Aramid

#3

That’s what I though… now what is Dyenma then?

Thanks.

#4

There is a thread on what Dyneema is and who owns the trademark name Dyneema. It also goes by the name Spectra and that name is owned by another company but it is the same thing.

dyneema/spectra sucks for composites use.

#5

Kevlar is basically a plastic. Doesn’t conduct electricity, and has a low service temp.
Kevlar is the brand name of aramid made by DuPont.

#6

Good stuff thanks guys.

#7

the trade name of dyneema belongs to www.r-g.de in germany if im not mistaken

#8

Not to start a flame war, but how does it suck for composite use?

#9

Yeha, don’t stick carbon in a microwave oven. Well, unless it’s not your oven, and you want a light show!!

You CAN make kevlar conductive…but that is another step that I’m sure most of you don’t have the equipment for (I think a good sized sputter coater!)

#10

aren’t dyneema/spectra uhmwpe or ultra high molecular weight polyethylene …super plastic …mmmm

I imagine there is a bonding issue with resins ,which is why its woven into ropes, or dry threads sandwiched between plastic sheets to make sails and bullet proof vests etc

#11

Yeah, it is a thermoplastic. Someone on here said they had some woven fabric, but the only spectra I know is a thermoplastic composite. Thermoplastic is obviously different than thermoset. One is a liquid and then solidifies, rendering the part permanant. THermoplastics are solids, that when melted and cooled, solidify into the part shape. Good thing is, one can rework a part if needed. Only problems with thermoplastic composites, is that they need heat to process. Anywhere from 250f for Kraton/PE materials such as SpectraShield, up to 750f for Carbon/PEEK/PEKK plastics.

They are all fabrics, and all composites. One uses epoxy resin, the other uses plastic resin.