The Deformation and Failure Processes of Kevlar 49 Single Filaments

Abstract

Kevlar 49 fibers [poly (p-phenylene terephthalamide), or PPTA] are increasingly utilized in high-performance fibrous epoxy composites in critical structural applications in which they are expected to maintain their structural integrity over long time periods. To predict the fiber durability with confidence requires a detailed understanding of the deformation and failure processes of the fiber and the structural and environmental factors that affect such processes.