Aramid fibre, short for aromatic polyamide, are a class of heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibres. They are used in aerospace and military applications, for ballistic-rated body armor fabric and ballistic composites, in marine cordage, marine hull reinforcement, and as an asbestos substitute.

The chain molecules in the fibre are highly oriented along the fibre axis. As a result, a higher proportion of the chemical bond contributes more to fibre strength than in many other synthetic fibres. Aramids have a very high melting point (>500 °C).

Aramids share a high degree of orientation with other fibres such as ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene,

a characteristic that dominates their properties. 

• good resistance to abrasion

• good resistance to organic solvents

• nonconductive

• very high melting point (>500 °C)

• low flammability

• good fabric integrity at elevated temperatures

• sensitive to acids and salts

• sensitive to ultraviolet radiation

• prone to electrostatic charge build-up unless finished

        Para-aramids

• high chord modulus

• high tenacity

• low creep

• low elongation at break (~3.5%)

• difficult to dye – usually solution-dyed