Kevlar^¨ is The most famous of the aramids. Fibers of Kevlar^¨ are strong enough to be used to make fragmentation-resistant body armor. Puncture-proof tires are reinforced with Kevlar^¨ cords, and high-strength Kevlar^¨ composites are used to make everything from golf clubs to aircraft bodies.

These composites often contain another aramid called Nomex^¨. This material is incredibly flame resistant and is used to make fireproof clothing worn by fire-fighters, pilots, and race drivers. It is also used as a dielectric insulator, replacing mica.

Nylon and the aramids created by Kwolek are part of a larger family of polymers, called step-growth polymers. All step-growth polymers, such as aramids, nylon, polyesters, polycarbonate and polyurethanes, are ultimately products of the work carried out by Carothers.

Photo credt

Stephanie Kwolek - Gift of Stephanie Kwolek.