Advantages and disadvantages
Kevlar threads, and, accordingly, the fabric from which the gloves are made, have a strength five times higher than that of steel. Speaking specifically about the rigidity, the material can be compared to fiberglass.
Despite the fact that Kevlar is produced chemically, it is absolutely safe for humans. This fabric is resistant to corrosion and does not decompose when in contact with organic solvents.
Kevlar and its products have both advantages and disadvantages. Of the positive properties, one can single out:
- heat resistant;
- durable;
- not subject to wear and tear;
- do not require special care.
As for the shortcomings, they are also available. The product loses its strength if it is used at low temperatures. We are talking about -430-480 C, at which the material begins to decompose. The loss of strength begins already from the mark of - 150 C. Of course, such indicators do not exist in domestic conditions, however, in industry, kevlar gloves are not used if you have to work with the cold.
Exposure to direct sunlight and moisture negatively affects the strength of Kevlar. This is one of the reasons why some manufacturers prefer to cover products made of this material with an additional protective compound.
What is it and what is it for?
Kevlar gloves are highly durable. They are used to protect against punctures and cuts.
Kevlar is a heat resistant and durable synthetic fiber bonded to other aramids.
The chemical structure of aramids distinguishes them from other artificial and natural fibers, which makes Kevlar unique. Any product made of the described material, including gloves, has decent stiffness, impact strength and heat resistance. In addition, they are resistant to many chemicals and solvents used in today's industrial environment.
The material was developed by American chemist Stephanie Kwolek in 1965.
To synthesize fiber, you will need to use the polycondensation method. For the process to proceed, conditions with a low temperature are created. The necessary reagents are added to the solution, then everything is thoroughly mixed.
When polymer precipitation is observed, which precipitates as a crumb, sometimes a gel, it is collected and dried.
Acids, often sulfuric, are used to dissolve the polymer. Further, the extrusion method is used - in this way, fibers or threads are formed, which, in turn, are sent to a precipitation bath. They will need to be washed and dried again.
There are several brands of Kevlar today:
- K-29;
- K-49;
- K-100;
- K-119;
- K-129;
- AR;
- XP;
- KM2.
Each brand has its own scope. For example, K-29 is used in the manufacture of armor, cables and even brake pads. K-49 is also used in the cable industry. To obtain fabrics with special properties, the KM2 brand is used. The high-strength material was first used commercially in the early 1970s as a replacement for steel in racing tires.
Kevlar work safety gloves have a high strength factor. This product is widely used in industry. Cooks, fishermen, landscapers, butchers, and construction workers usually wear these gloves as well.
Products with Kevlar thread are lightweight. They are resistant to high temperatures, mechanical stress and do not conduct electricity. They will not catch fire or melt. The fibers used in these gloves are as strong as steel. They are designed to protect the user from glass, abrasives, blades and sheet metal.Scuba divers sometimes wear this product to protect their hands from being cut by sharp corals and rocks.
One of the disadvantages of Kevlar is that it is easily destroyed by exposure to ultraviolet light. Therefore, gloves should not be used in areas where you have to constantly keep your hands in the sun.
Gloves from the described material come in several varieties. Some are able to withstand work in aggressive environments, while others are heat-resistant. The latter do not melt and protect hands at temperatures even + 282 C.
When cutting large fish, professional cooks correctly, from a tactical point of view, approach the process and arm themselves not only with a particularly sharp and long knife, but also with such a product. Kevlar gloves are made without seams. There is a large selection of sizes on the market, so it's easy to choose a model for your hand. Such products are widely used not only in industry, but also in sports. Examples include skiers, baseball players, and even motorcycle racers.
Care Tips
Both dry cleaning and washing are acceptable cleaning methods for 100% Kevlar gloves. In some cases, shrinkage, loss of weight, tensile strength of the yarn, discoloration are observed. All this does not in any way affect the quality of the product and its unique qualities.
If we talk about cleaning by industrial methods, then the gloves can withstand up to 30 cycles.
It is not forbidden to take gloves for cleaning to specialized institutions where dry cleaning is used. Even if the product is subjected to repeated cleaning, it does not lose its qualities, retains its shape and protective properties. The service life of Kevlar fabric is long, for which it gained such popularity. In order to properly care for gloves, the user should take into account the disadvantages that a product made from the described polymer possesses. You should not expose gloves to high temperatures, although it is not so easy to create the necessary conditions for the destruction of the polymer in everyday life.
In practice, in industrial plants, such products are not washed at all. Do not use bleach if your gloves are stained. Such formulations can degrade the strength of the polymer fabric.
Today, manufacturers around the world make Kevlar gloves. The quality of products is at a high level, since they are designed to protect a person, which means that they meet safety requirements and take into account the norms of existing laws and regulations.
It is advised to buy Kevlar gloves from trusted manufacturers; the product must have an appropriate quality certificate. Such a product will become an indispensable assistant in everyday life and when performing work, due to which hands may be injured.
See the video for the differences between cheap and expensive Kevlar gloves.