princesskiwi
Administrator
MISTRESS of SMACK
Posts: 7688
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posted June 05, 2008 10:25 AM
 Edited By: princesskiwi on 5 Jun 2008 11:47
Kevlar
I contacted DuPont and asked them some basic questions about Kevlar.
Beth the "Inside Sales Representative" sent me two technical (30 page) manuals to read.
Things I found out.
Kevlar is sensitive to Ultra Violet light (sunlight). Extended exposure to UV can also cause a loss of mechanical properties.
Extra UV protection can be provided by applying an extruded jacket over the Kevlar, ONLY if the jacket has the proper pigmentation to absorb the harmful UV rays.
To avoid possible damage (inside) Kevlar should not be stored within 1foot of fluorescent lamps or near windows.
PH levels will break down Kevlar.
At neutral PH (pH 7) Kevlar remains virtually unchanged after exposure at 149F (65C) for more than 200 days. The further the pH deviates from pH 7, the greater the loss in tenacity.
The average pH level for the skin is a pH of 5.2 - 6.2, exercise can lower pH levels.
ACIDITY - A condition of water when the pH is below 7.
ALKALINITY - A condition of water when the pH is above 7.
The normal range for pH in surface water systems is 6.5 to 8.5 and for groundwater systems 6 to 8.5.
Acidic conditions cause more severe degradation.
Kevlar is flame resistant but can be ignited, burning usually stops when the source of ignition is removed. Pulp or Kevlar dust may continue to smolder. Kevlar does not "drip", which could ignite other areas.
DuPont produces and sells Kevlar filament, staple and flock as well as specialized forms. Denier is used as the measure of density of weave. Kevlar fabric starts at a Denier of 55 with 25 Kevlar filaments and ranges to a Denier or 15000 with 10000 Kevlar filaments.
For Washing instructions Dupont sent me a manual on Kevlar gloves and how to care for them.
Both dry cleaning and low alkaline laundering are acceptable cleaning methods (for gloves) of 100% Kevlar.
Some differences in shrinkage, weight loss, yarn tensile strength, and color related to staining or the cleaning method could be seen, but there is no significant impact on cut resistance up to 30 cleaning cycles (without industrial use between cycles).
After 5 cleaning cycles in High Alkalinity laundering process produced slightly lower cut resistance than dry cleaning or the low alkaline formula.
Chlorine bleach can cause strength loss at low concentrations such as would be encountered in laundering, and therefore should not be used.
Because of the wide variations (in glove) constructions including the use of coating materials, dots and cuff materials, which may require special cleaning procedures, this bullatin has been directed at the impact of the cleaning procedure on Kevlar fabric only.
Specific requirements for materials other than the Kevlar fabric should be discussed with your supplier or professional cleaner.
Information has been provided by DuPont manufactures of Kevlar and not by independent research.
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The dose differentiates a poison and a remedy....
  
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princesskiwi
Administrator
MISTRESS of SMACK
Posts: 7688
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posted June 05, 2008 10:38 AM
Edited By: princesskiwi on 5 Jun 2008 11:46
For those of you that don't like to read - a Summary....
Natural environmental conditions can break down your Kevlar Motorcycle Gear such as Sweat and Sunlight.
Washing can also further negatively effect your Kevlar, as it is sensitive to pH levels in water and laundry detergent.
If you wash in a High Alkaline laundering process, you will impact the strength of your Kevlar after just 5 washes.
NEVER USE CHLORINE BLEACH ON YOUR KEVLAR SUIT
If you crash on your gear and tear the outer protective jacket of your suit, you will increase UV (Daylight) exposure to the Kevlar and further weaken those areas.
When storing your Kevlar suit keep it out of Daylight and away from fluorescent lights.
Kevlar is flame resistant but can be ignited.
____________
The dose differentiates a poison and a remedy....
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frEEk
Administrator
ummm... yeah
Posts: 9660
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posted June 05, 2008 02:36 PM
Very interesting info, thx. I'll have to find out what the PH of my detergent is, or switch to dry clean in the future.
Mostly, i'll have to find out whether the lycra skin on my suit covers the UV protective requirement.
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