Pliable Carbon-Kevlar?

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

Howdy,

I am brand spanking new here. Found the site searching for Carbon Kevlar information. I’m also brand new to composites…so go easy!

I’m beginning work on a product that will utilize some type of impact/cut resistant fiber…I’m currently researching Kevlar, Vectran, and Carbon. I’ve searched a bit and can’t seem to find a good answer to this question…

Is there an epoxy that will allow any of these fibers to remain pliable after it’s cured? The product I am developing is a piece of protective clothing. Unlike body armor or plates that cover a section of body that does not move, this product will need to flex somewhat when put on.

Anyway, thanks for the help.

#2

There is flexible epoxy, indeed. However, there can be some flex, but not drapability as with unimpregnated cloth.

It will never be like for instance a raincoat. (which is one of the least drapable fabrics for clothing)

#3

Ok, that’s what I was expecting. Thanks for the info!

#4

If you want cut resistance, and yet flexible, look at dry fabrics, STF (shear thickening fluids). As for resins, look into poly ureas, urethanes, and plastics such as PP, PE, and ionomers (du Pont’s Surlyn.) These will maintain flexibility, good bonding, but it will NOT drape like dry fabric. Nothing will except for dry fabric.

#5

funny coincidence, i was actually just meeting with a freind today who told me he is making a wallet with carbon/kevlar mixed weave. He used a high quality silicon instead of epoxy. (I can ask him for more specifics on the silicon) He said he tried ripping it and stretching it and it had very little effect on the material.

To make it he sandwiched the fabric and the silicon between two layers of mylar then just pressed and squiggied(?) it until the bubbles were all gone

#6

I do not want to spoil his fun, but he should take a look at fabrics for sailmaking. There are fabrics available with PBO, Aramide and Technora fibers. Aramide is yellow, Technora has the same properties, but is black. These fibers are laminated between mylar sheets. Both the sails produced and the wallets last a very long time. I think it took me 15 years to wear out 2 of these wallets.

Eat your heart out:

https://www.google.nl/search?q=sailcloth+wallet&hl=nl&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=zYn8T83sL8rF8gOC-92SBw&ved=0CFQQsAQ&biw=1440&bih=817