Why is Kevlar So Strong? A Comprehensive Breakdown
There are several questions that tend to come up when clients are considering bulletproof purses, bags, totes and other products, and many of them surround the Kevlar material often used to create these products. One of the single most common: Why is Kevlar so strong?
At URBN CHC, we're proud to offer an extensive range of bulletproof bags that includes handbags, laptop bags and various other options. Our chic designs are complemented by cutting-edge ballistic Kevlar technology that offer bulletproof protection without any extra bulk or weight. Here are some basics on what makes Kevlar so strong and why it's such an ideal antiballistic material.
What is Kevlar?
For those just learning about bulletproof gear, the first question is often what exactly Kevlar is. In short, it's a synthetic fiber material that was developed by DuPont in the 1960s. It's created through a series of chemical reactions and then spun into fibers that are five times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis.
Kevlar has several key properties:
- Strong but light: As mentioned, Kevlar is incredibly strong for its weight. This makes it an ideal material for bulletproof products, as it can provide a high level of protection without adding extra weight or bulk to the item.
- Flexible: Despite its strength, Kevlar is also very flexible and can bend and twist without losing its durability.
- Heat resistant: Kevlar has a high melting point and doesn't degrade at high temperatures, making it suitable for use in extreme conditions.
- Cut-resistant: Due to its tight molecular structure, Kevlar is highly resistant to cuts and slashes from sharp objects.
Energy Required to Pass Through Kevlar
The entire purpose of Kevlar is to create a material that requires immense energy to penetrate, making it perfect for bulletproof products. Kevlar's tight molecular structure and strong bonds make it difficult for bullets to pass through, requiring a significantly higher amount of energy compared to other materials.
The exact amount of energy required to penetrate Kevlar varies depending on the type and thickness of the material. However, in general, it takes about 15 times more energy to penetrate a layer of Kevlar than it does to break an equal weight piece of steel.
Energy is "Stolen"
To help you conceptualize this in the right way, you can think of a bullet or knife hitting Kevlar at full speed. When it hits the first layer of Kevlar, the energy of the bullet is transferred to the fibers. As it passes through more layers, the energy continues to be distributed among more and more fibers, gradually reducing its speed until it's stopped completely.
This concept is known as "energy absorption" and it's one of the key reasons why Kevlar is such a strong antiballistic material. Essentially, Kevlar works by stealing the energy from bullets or other objects trying to penetrate it, making it incredibly effective at stopping them in their tracks.
More Layers is Better
Naturally, as you may have guessed from reading to this point, the more layers of Kevlar you have, the better protection it offers. This is why our bulletproof bags at URBN CHC are made with multiple layers of Kevlar to provide maximum protection against a wide range of ballistic threats.
Kevlar Does Have Limitations
Now, it's also important to note that while Kevlar is incredibly strong, it does have limitations. For example, it's not effective against weapons like high-powered rifles or armor-piercing bullets. It's also not stab-proof and can be degraded by exposure to certain chemicals.
However, for everyday protection against common threats such as handguns and sharp objects, Kevlar is a highly reliable material that offers peace of mind and security without sacrificing style or functionality.
Finding the Right Kevlar Product
And due to modern technology, Kevlar is available in more and more everyday products, including bulletproof bags and purses. When shopping for a Kevlar product, be sure to choose one with multiple layers and high-quality construction for the best protection. Also, look for stylish designs that fit your personal style and needs, just like our selection at URBN CHC.
At URBN CHC, our bulletproof bag collection offers stylish and functional options that are designed to keep you safe without compromising on style. Browse our collection today and find the perfect Kevlar product for your needs, or contact us today for any further questions or inquiries. Stay safe and stylish with URBN CHC's bulletproof bags and other products.