Aramid Vs Kevlar Belts

Aramid and Kevlar are both high-strength, synthetic materials often used in the manufacturing of various types of belts, including V-belts and timing belts. They both belong to the family of synthetic fibers known as aramids (Aromatic Polyamide). However, Kevlar is a brand name by DuPont for their specific type of aramid fiber.

Material Composition #

Both Aramid and Kevlar are types of synthetic fibers that belong to the family of materials known as aramids (Aromatic Polyamide). Here’s a comparison of their material compositions:

Aramid Belts:

Aramid is a term that stands for “aromatic polyamide.” Aramid fibers are synthesized by the reaction between an amine group and a carboxylic acid halide group. The polymer chains in Aramid are highly oriented along the fiber axis. This alignment of the chains, coupled with the aromatic nature of the aramid molecules and the presence of strong interchain hydrogen bonds, provides aramid fibers with high strength, good heat resistance, and excellent dimensional stability.

Aramid belts are typically reinforced with these synthetic fibers, which provide high tensile strength, durability, and heat resistance. This makes them ideal for demanding applications, such as in automotive or industrial machinery, where high strength and durability are required.

Kevlar Belts:

Kevlar, a brand name by DuPont, is a specific type of aramid fiber. The chemical structure of Kevlar includes aromatic groups (rings of carbon atoms) connected by amide (CO-NH) links. Like other aramids, Kevlar has strong interchain hydrogen bonds that contribute to its high tensile strength and heat resistance.

Kevlar belts are also reinforced with these synthetic fibers, making them incredibly strong and heat-resistant. They share similar properties with other aramid belts but often come with brand-name recognition.

Strength #

Aramid and Kevlar are both synthetic fibers known for their exceptional strength, and they’re often used in applications that require high-strength materials, including various types of belts. However, since Kevlar is a type of Aramid fiber, their strength characteristics are quite similar.

Aramid Belts:

Aramid fibers, due to their unique molecular structure featuring aromatic groups and strong hydrogen bonds, have a high tensile strength. This means that Aramid belts can handle a lot of tension without breaking or stretching, making them ideal for applications that require robustness and durability, such as in automotive or industrial settings.

Kevlar Belts:

Kevlar, a specific type of Aramid fiber developed by DuPont, is renowned for its very high tensile strength – about five times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis. Kevlar belts share this characteristic, providing exceptional strength and resistance to stretch. This property makes Kevlar belts very reliable in high-stress applications.

Heat Resistance #

Both Aramid and Kevlar, as types of synthetic fibers, exhibit high heat resistance, which makes them suitable for many demanding applications where heat generation can be an issue.

Aramid Belts:

Aramid fibers are known for their excellent heat resistance. Aramid belts can withstand high temperatures without losing their strength or shape. This characteristic makes Aramid belts suitable for applications where they might be exposed to heat, such as in automotive engines or industrial machinery.

Kevlar Belts:

Kevlar, a specific type of Aramid fiber, also boasts excellent heat resistance. Kevlar doesn’t melt, but it starts to degrade at about 500 degrees Celsius (932 degrees Fahrenheit). The high heat resistance of Kevlar belts makes them highly suitable for applications that involve high-speed operation or high friction, where heat generation might be a concern.

Abrasion Resistance #

Aramid and Kevlar are both highly resistant to wear and abrasion, which makes them ideal for use in belt applications where they may experience constant friction. However, as Kevlar is a type of Aramid fiber, their abrasion resistance properties are quite similar.

Aramid Belts:

Aramid fibers exhibit high resistance to abrasion due to their strong molecular structure and high tensile strength. This means that Aramid belts can withstand a considerable amount of wear before they start to degrade. They maintain their strength and integrity even when subject to frictional forces over an extended period, enhancing their lifespan in many demanding applications.

Kevlar Belts:

Kevlar, a brand of Aramid fiber by DuPont, is also highly resistant to abrasion. Kevlar belts can withstand high levels of wear and tear without degrading, which makes them well-suited to applications where the belt is in constant contact with other components and high abrasion is expected.

Chemical Resistance #

Aramid and Kevlar belts both exhibit high resistance to many chemicals, making them suitable for use in environments where they may be exposed to various chemicals. However, as Kevlar is a type of Aramid fiber, their chemical resistance properties are quite similar.

Aramid Belts:

Aramid fibers generally have good resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including many solvents, oils, and fuels. This means that Aramid belts can maintain their structural integrity and performance even when exposed to these chemicals. However, they can be affected by strong acids or alkalis, so it’s important to consider the specific environmental conditions when selecting a belt.

Kevlar Belts:

Kevlar, a specific type of Aramid fiber, shares this chemical resistance characteristic. Kevlar belts are resistant to many chemicals and solvents, and they maintain their strength even when exposed to such substances. However, like Aramid belts, Kevlar can be affected by strong acids and alkalis.

Flexibility #

Aramid and Kevlar belts both have a significant degree of flexibility, which is crucial for belt applications where they need to bend around pulleys. However, as Kevlar is a type of Aramid fiber, their flexibility properties are quite similar.

Aramid Belts:

Aramid fibers, despite their high strength, also possess a good degree of flexibility. This allows Aramid belts to navigate around pulleys and other components without causing undue stress on the belt or the machinery. This property reduces the risk of belt breakage and enhances the lifespan of the belt.

Kevlar Belts:

Kevlar, a specific type of Aramid fiber, also boasts a high degree of flexibility. Kevlar belts can navigate complex systems, bend around tight corners, and withstand the constant stress of moving machinery without breaking or degrading.

Availability #

When it comes to the availability of Aramid and Kevlar belts, the difference primarily lies in the branding and distribution.

Aramid Belts:

Aramid is a generic term for the type of fiber used in these belts, and as such, aramid belts can be produced by a variety of manufacturers globally. Therefore, they are widely available across different markets and industries.

Kevlar Belts:

Kevlar, on the other hand, is a specific type of aramid fiber that is trademarked by DuPont. Belts made of Kevlar are typically available wherever DuPont has distribution networks. In some regions or industries, they may be less available than generic aramid belts if DuPont’s distribution is limited in those areas.

However, the widespread use of both Aramid and Kevlar in various industries means that both types of belts are generally available in many places. The specific availability may depend on the region, the specific industry, and the distribution network of the manufacturers.

Lifespan #

Both Aramid and Kevlar belts are known for their long operational lifespans when properly maintained, thanks to their excellent resistance to heat, abrasion, and chemical degradation. However, as Kevlar is a specific type of Aramid fiber, their lifespan characteristics are quite similar.

Aramid Belts:

The strength, heat resistance, and abrasion resistance of Aramid fibers contribute to a long lifespan for Aramid belts. Provided they are correctly used and maintained, these belts can last for many years even under strenuous operating conditions. However, their lifespan can be affected by improper usage, such as misalignment, excessive tension, or exposure to strong acids or alkalis.

Kevlar Belts:

Similarly, Kevlar belts can also have a long operational lifespan. Kevlar’s high tensile strength, excellent heat resistance, and superior abrasion resistance all contribute to the durability and longevity of Kevlar belts. Like Aramid belts, the lifespan of Kevlar belts can also be affected by operational conditions and maintenance practices.

Aramid Vs Kevlar Belts Table #

Remember, Kevlar is a specific type of Aramid fiber, so they share many similar properties. The choice between Aramid and Kevlar belts will typically be based on specific application requirements, cost, and brand preference.