Vectran® Liquid Crystal Polymer Fiber: A Unique Combination of Properties For Demanding Applications

Where Existing Materials Fail to Perform

A unique combination of properties differentiates Vectran® fiber from other high-performance fibers and makes it the material of choice in demanding applications where other fibers fail to meet performance requirements. Vectran’s remarkable mechanical performance combined with the other unique properties permit it to be used for a variety of purposes. Vectran® fibers are used in aerospace, ocean exploration and development, electronic support structures, the recreation and leisure industry, safety materials, industrial applications, ropes and cables, composites, protective apparel and high-pressure inflatables.

Ropes and Cables Demand a Balance of Outstanding Properties

Vectran® HT is solving performance problems in critical marine, military, and industrial rope and cable applications. High strength with virtually no creep allows manufacture of high performance ropes that are stable to extended loads. Superior abrasion resistance, excellent moisture resistance, and exceptional property retention over broad ranges of temperature and chemical environments, provide solutions to industrial wear and degradation problems experienced with existing fiber products. Vectran® HT is an outstanding candidate for replacement of steel and stainless steel constructions.

Vectran® UM is a high-modulus, low elongation alternative for applications requiring high stiffness, such as reinforcement of composites or electromechanical cables.

Ropes and Cables

Industrial/Military/Aerospace

The first use of Vectran® fiber was for demanding and specialized military applications. The unique propertiesof this high-performance fiber satisfy many of the military and aerospace needs of today. In fact, airbags made with Vectran® fiber successfully cushioned the Mars Pathfinder, Spirit, and Opportunity landings on the surface of Mars. A stellar-strength fiber, Vectran® offers exceptional flex fatigue resistance, providing superior load handling characteristics for tow ropes, cargo tie-downs and inflatables.

Recreation and Leisure

Vectran® fibers are an excellent option for recreation and leisure products such as sailcloth, reinforced hulls, fishing poles and lines, golf clubs, bicycle forks, skis, tennis racquets, snowboards, and paragliders. Performance is critical in many specialty sporting goods applications. Of particular importance are the unique vibration damping characteristics of Vectran® fiber combined with high strength, minimal moisture absorption and excellent flex/fold/abrasion/impact resistance.

Archers have benefited from bow strings made with Vectran fiber. Offering archers a high-performance option with very low creep, Vectran fiber has solved problems associated with string relaxation.

Sporting Goods

New Textile Composite Options

The Vectran® fiber family is available in a range of deniers for textile and composite processing and offers new options in design and material selection. Vectran® HT fiber offers benefits for applications requiring high strength, vibration damping, low moisture absorption, and low CTE. Vectran® NT fiber is a high modulus thermoplastic matrix fiber for applications requiring high impermeability, excellent property retention over a broad temperature range, and low moisture absorption. Vectran® UM offers the highest modulus without sacrificing tensile strength.

Industrial Applications For The 21st Century

Vectran® Fiber brings unique solutions to industrial applications. Stability to most chemicals allows the manufacture of chemically resistant packings and gaskets. Users of protective apparel such as gloves and work wear benefit from excellent cut and stab resistance, elevated temperature resistance, outstanding flex/fold resistance, and durability to multiple wash/dry cycles even in the presence of bleach.

For example, the meat processing industry suffers from some of the highest incidents of hand cuts and abdominal stabs. Worker safety is improved when garments provide increased cut resistance or stab resistance. Because of the high cost of safety apparel and the high costs of injuries, meat processing companies are sensitive to cost/performance of safety work wear. Aramid fibers have poor resistance to bleach and HMPE fibers are sensitive to high temperatures associated with drying. Therefore, the cost/performance of safety wear improves when garments can resist exposure to bleach and are durable enough to resist multiple wash/dry cycles without loss of strength or shape due to shrinkage. Vectran® fiber workwear is meeting the cost/performance needs of this industry.

Specialized Electronic Uses Require a Unique Fiber

Vectran® HT fiber is an excellent candidate for printed circuit boards, fiber optic strength members, and conductor reinforcements. High dielectric strength couple dwith elevated temperature resistance and outstanding moisture resistance provide new levels of electrical efficiency in prevention of current leakage. This combination along with excellent dimensional stability and low CTE provide a unique fiber for specialized electronic uses.

If your end use is different from the applications listed above, please contact us for additional information