Advantages - disadvantages
Aramid main advantages are high strength and low weight. Like graphite,
it has a slightly negative axial coefficient of thermal expansion, which means
aramid laminates can be made thermally stable in dimensions. Unlike graphite,
it is very resistant to impact and abrasion damage. It can be made waterproof
when combined with other materials like epoxy. It can be used as a composite
with rubber retaining its flexibility. High tensile modulus and low breakage
elongation combined with very good resistance to chemicals make it the right
choice for different composite structural parts in various applications.
On the other side, aramid has a few disadvantages. The fibers absorb moisture, so aramid composites are more sensitive to the environment than glass or graphite composites. For this reason, it must be combined with moisture resistant materials like epoxy systems. Compressive properties are relatively poor too. Consequently, aramid is not used in bridge building or wherever this kind of resistance is needed. Also, aramid fibers are difficult to cut and to grind without special equipment (e.g. special scissors for cutting, special drill bits). Finally, they suffer some corrosion and are degradated by UV light. For this reason they must be properly coated.
On the other side, aramid has a few disadvantages. The fibers absorb moisture, so aramid composites are more sensitive to the environment than glass or graphite composites. For this reason, it must be combined with moisture resistant materials like epoxy systems. Compressive properties are relatively poor too. Consequently, aramid is not used in bridge building or wherever this kind of resistance is needed. Also, aramid fibers are difficult to cut and to grind without special equipment (e.g. special scissors for cutting, special drill bits). Finally, they suffer some corrosion and are degradated by UV light. For this reason they must be properly coated.
