Created in 1965 by Stephanie Kwolek, Kevlar is a synthetic fiber that can be used in a wide variety of ways [1]. It is used to make body armor, tires and automotive belts. Governments around the world use this material to protect their soldiers in combat, motorcyclists use it to protect themselves against road rash in the event of a crash, and it is also utilized in ropes and cables. While these uses for Kevlar have revolutionized personal protection, there is one particular application for Kevlar that is used for both practical and recreational purposes. Many aren’t aware that Kevlar is now a commonly used material in the production of boat sails. With the introduction of Kevlar in the mid-1960s, sails were revolutionized, giving them an
…show more content…
Kevlar, when left exposed to sunlight and oxygen, will experience UV-degradation over time, lowering its tensile strength. Depending on the type of Kevlar, after 450 hours of exposure to ultraviolet light, the material can lose anywhere from 30 to 65 percent of its original tensile strength [7]. Also, the repeated folding, flexing and flogging of the sail will cause the material to plastically deform and therefore, rapidly lose its tensile strength [8]. When a stress is applied to a material that exceeds that materials yield strength, the material is plastically deformed and cannot return to its original …show more content…
Hydrochloric acid is known for its high acidity and its tendency to react with and eat through nearly any material with which it comes in contact, which makes it a potentially dangerous chemical to work with. Soon after its creation, however, the acid is neutralized by a concentrated base, namely calcium salts, and can be disposed of easily, posing no threat or harm to the environment [3]. The second acid, sulfuric acid, is also highly acidic and is a danger to the environment if not disposed of properly. After the sulfuric acid is utilized, it is then used to create gypsum which is necessary for the creation of other products such as concrete
Kevlar, when left exposed to sunlight and oxygen, will experience UV-degradation over time, lowering its tensile strength. Depending on the type of Kevlar, after 450 hours of exposure to ultraviolet light, the material can lose anywhere from 30 to 65 percent of its original tensile strength [7]. Also, the repeated folding, flexing and flogging of the sail will cause the material to plastically deform and therefore, rapidly lose its tensile strength [8]. When a stress is applied to a material that exceeds that materials yield strength, the material is plastically deformed and cannot return to its original …show more content…
Hydrochloric acid is known for its high acidity and its tendency to react with and eat through nearly any material with which it comes in contact, which makes it a potentially dangerous chemical to work with. Soon after its creation, however, the acid is neutralized by a concentrated base, namely calcium salts, and can be disposed of easily, posing no threat or harm to the environment [3]. The second acid, sulfuric acid, is also highly acidic and is a danger to the environment if not disposed of properly. After the sulfuric acid is utilized, it is then used to create gypsum which is necessary for the creation of other products such as concrete