Short definition
Para-aramid (P-AR) is a high-performance aromatic polyamide fibre combining very high mechanical strength and cut resistance with inherent flame-retardant, self-extinguishing and non-melting behaviour. It is widely used where strength-to-weight performance and protection are critical, although its relatively low loop strength and sensitivity to prolonged UV exposure must be considered.
Properties
- Modified polyamide (aromatic)
- Very good cut resistance
- Flame-retardant, self-extinguishing, non-melting
- Good resistance to acids and alkalis
- High resistance to fungi and bacteria
- Low loop strength
- Sensitive to UV radiation – prolonged exposure to light causes yellowing and a loss of strength of up to 75%
Temperatures
- Continuous temperature resistance up to approx. 170°C
- Decomposition temperature: approx. 425°C
Quick facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | High-performance synthetic fibre |
| Abbreviation | P-AR |
| Polymer family | Aromatic polyamide / aramid |
| Key mechanical property | Very high strength and cut resistance |
| Flame behaviour | Flame-retardant, self-extinguishing, non-melting |
| Loop strength | Comparatively low |
| UV behaviour | Sensitive to prolonged exposure |
| Continuous temperature resistance | Up to approx. 170°C |
| Decomposition temperature | Approx. 425°C |
| Typical applications | Cut-resistant PPE, protective apparel, ballistic and high-strength technical textiles |
Also known as
Technical terms
- Para-aramid
- P-AR
- Para-aramid fibre
- Para-aramid sewing thread
- Para-oriented aramid
- High-tenacity aramid
Common descriptions
- High-strength aramid thread
- Cut-resistant thread
- Protective sewing thread
- Ballistic fibre thread
- High-tenacity sewing thread
- Aramid thread
- Thread for cut-resistant gloves
- Thread for protective clothing
- What is para-aramid?
- Which thread is cut resistant?
- Which sewing thread has very high tensile strength?
- Is para-aramid UV resistant?
International terminology
| Language | Common terminology |
|---|---|
| English | Para-aramid, P-AR, Para-aramid fibre, High-tenacity aramid, Cut-resistant aramid |
| German | Para-Aramid, P-AR, Para-Aramidfaser, hochfestes Aramid, schnittfestes Aramid |
| French | Para-aramide, Fibre para-aramide, Aramide haute ténacité, Aramide résistante aux coupures |
| Italian | Para-aramide, Fibra para-aramidica, Aramide ad alta tenacità |
| Spanish | Para-aramida, Fibra de para-aramida, Aramida de alta tenacidad |
| Chinese | 对位芳纶, 对位芳香族聚酰胺, 高强芳纶, 防切割芳纶 |
| Vietnamese | Para-aramid, Xơ para-aramid, Aramid độ bền cao, Aramid chống cắ |
FAQ
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Para-aramid fibres are manufactured by polycondensation and spun using the wet spinning process.
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Para-aramid is a modified aromatic polyamide with a highly oriented molecular structure that provides exceptional mechanical strength.
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Para-aramid offers very high tensile strength and excellent cut resistance, making it ideal for protective and technical applications.
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Yes. Para-aramid fibres are inherently flame-retardant, self-extinguishing and non-melting.
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No. Para-aramid does not melt. At extreme temperatures it decomposes rather than forming molten droplets.
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Para-aramid offers continuous temperature resistance up to approximately 170°C. Its decomposition temperature is around 425°C.
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Para-aramid shows good resistance to acids and alkalis, making it suitable for chemically demanding environments.
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Low loop strength means that although the fibre has high tensile strength, its resistance in looped or knotted configurations is comparatively lower. This must be considered in seam construction.
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Para-aramid is sensitive to UV radiation. Prolonged exposure to light can cause yellowing and may reduce strength by up to 75%.
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Para-aramid threads are commonly used in cut-resistant gloves, protective apparel, ballistic textiles and other high-strength technical applications.