MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Aramid fibre reinforced polymer (0.5mm, 1.0mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm)

Polymer-Based FRP
composite › Fibre-Reinforced › Polymer-Based FRP
compositefibre-reinforcedaramidkevlartwaronhigh-strengthimpact-resistantnon-conductivecorrosion-resistantmarine-gradecyclone-ratedstructural-strengtheningAustralian-compliant
ATLAS CODE
COM-FRC-PFR-004
Aramid fibre reinforced polymer (0.5mm, 1.0mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm)
Category composite
Material Family Fibre-Reinforced
Regulatory Status Group 2-3
Density
1.44 g/cm? (Kevlar 49 yarn density) kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
22-36 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Group 2-3
Lifespan
50-75 yrs
Description

Aramid fibre reinforced polymer (AFRP) composites use para-aramid fibres (e.g., DuPont Kevlar 49) in epoxy or vinyl ester matrices. DuPont Kevlar 49 yarn data report density 1.44 g/cm?, tensile strength about 3,000 MPa and tensile modulus about 112 GPa for yarn; resin-impregnated strands report tensile strength 3,600 MPa and modulus 124 GPa. Composite laminate performance depends on fibre volume fraction, orientation and resin system.

Primary Sectors
[Transport & Infrastructure][Industrial]
Typical Uses
  • Bridge deck strengthening and retrofit
  • Marine boardwalks and jetty structures
  • Electrical utility cross-arms and poles
  • Submarine and naval vessel components
  • Wind turbine blade reinforcement
  • Mining conveyor systems
  • Blast and impact protection systems
  • Cable and rope applications
  • Aerospace structural components
  • Cyclone-resistant building elements
  • Seismic retrofit of concrete structures
  • Chemical processing equipment
  • Ballistic protection panels
  • Sports equipment manufacturing
  • Automotive racing components
Recycled Content 0-15
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 20-50
Embodied Carbon 22-36 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 200-300 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Exceptional tensile strength (1720 MPa)Superior impact resistance vs other FRPsComplete corrosion immunityNon-conductive/electrical insulation75+ year service life5x stronger than steel by weightExcellent fatigue resistanceNegative thermal expansion coefficientHigh chemical resistanceVibration damping propertiesNon-magnetic characteristicsTermite resistance certificationLow maintenance requirementsCyclone-rated performanceFire resistance with char formation
Cautions
High UV sensitivity without protectionLow compressive strength (15-20% of tensile)Premium cost ($45-375/m²)Difficult to recycle (20-50% recovery)Moisture absorption (3.5-7%)Limited Australian manufacturingRequires specialist installationLong lead times (6-20 weeks)Anisotropic propertiesSusceptible to strong acids/basesNon-biodegradableCannot be incineratedRequires surface preparationTemperature-sensitive installationLimited repair options
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-FRC-PFR-004
Density (Dry) 1.44 g/cm? (Kevlar 49 yarn density) kg/m³
Specific Gravity 1.44
Porosity 0.5-2.0 %
Water Absorption 3.5-7.0 %
Hardness 75-85
Surface Roughness 5-25 μm
UV Resistance Poor (requires protection)
Chemical Resistance Excellent (organic solvents, oils, salts)
pH Tolerance 4-10
Compressive Strength 350-420 MPa
Tensile Strength 3,000 MPa (Kevlar 49 yarn); 3,600 MPa (resin-impregnated strand) MPa
Flexural Strength 1200-1450 MPa
Shear Strength 45-65 MPa
Elastic Modulus 112-124 GPa (Kevlar 49 yarn/impregnated strand) GPa
Yield Strength Not applicable MPa
Impact Resistance 35-120 J/m
Bearing Capacity 380-450 kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.35-0.36
Creep Resistance Excellent (<0.5% strain at 50% UTS, 1000hr)
Abrasion Resistance Excellent (Taber CS-17, <50mg/1000 cycles)
Thermal Conductivity 0.031-0.047 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.0125-0.064 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 1420 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion -2.2 to -4.9 μm/m·K
Melting Point Does not melt (chars at 427°C) °C
Ignition Temperature 400-450 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 26-32
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.15-0.25
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 5-15 %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 10-25

Aramid fibres were developed by DuPont in 1965, with Kevlar commercialized in 1971. Australian adoption began in the 1980s for marine applications, expanding to electrical infrastructure in the 1990s. The 2002 deployment of 1.8 million FRP cross-arms in electricity networks marked widespread acceptance. Recent developments include UV-resistant formulations, improved recycling methods, and hybrid composite systems. Australian research through CSIRO and university partnerships focuses on natural disaster resilience, with applications in cyclone-resistant construction and bushfire protection systems demonstrating the material's evolution for local conditions.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-FRC-PFR-004
Flame Spread Index 25-45
Smoke Developed Index 3-5
Combustibility Class Group 2-3
Ignition Temperature 400-450 °C
Fire Resistance Rating Variable (requires AS 1530.4 testing) hours
Heat Release Rate 50-150 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion Moderate (benzene, HCN emissions)
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 22-36 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 200-300 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 180-250 L/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 15%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points MR: 1-2, EQ: 1
Circular Economy Score 3/10 /100
VOC Emissions Low (<50 g/L during installation) g/L
Skill Level High (certified composite technician)
Crew Size 2-6
Installation Time 0.8-2.0 hr/m²
Curing Time 24-48 hours
Setting Time 30-60 min
Temperature Range 18-35 °C
Humidity Range 45-85 %
Required Tools
Diamond-blade sawNotched trowelLaminate rollerMixing paddleEnvironmental monitoring equipmentPPE (respirator, gloves, eye protection)Surface preparation tools
Certifications Required
Certificate III in Civil ConstructionManufacturer-specific FRP certificationSafe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
Weather Limitations
No rain during installationTemperature 18-35°CHumidity 45-85%Wind speed <30 km/h
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-FRC-PFR-004
Material Cost 45-375
Installation Cost 170-280
Annual Maintenance 2-5
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 1850-2950
Market Availability Moderate (specialist suppliers)
Lead Time 6-20 weeks
Design Life 50-75 years
Warranty Period 10-25 years
Maintenance Interval 5-10 months
Service Temp Range -40 to +177 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent (>300 cycles)
Dimensional Stability Excellent (<0.1% change)

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: COM-FRC-PFR-004 Schema: v3.0
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