KEVLAR®
In 1965 scientists Stephanie Kwolek and Herbert Blades from Dupont creates the aramid fiber, registered trademark as Kevlar®. Its ballistic use was discovered by two researchers: Lester Shubin from National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and Nicholas Montanarelli, US Army specialist, who took Kevlar® samples and shot over them realizing that the bullet didn’t go through the fiber.

Since then and because of its resistance, flexibility and lightweight features not seen before, Kevlar became the standard technological material for bulletproof vests manufacturing. This exclusive use evolved in a powerful leadership in worldwide markets. These are its features in detail:

1. Tension- and tear-resistant
2. Lightweight
3. Structural rigidity
4. Low electric conductivity
5. Highly resistant to a variety of chemical products
6. Excellent dimensional stability
7. Fire-and stab-proof

The consistent success of aramid fiber is even nowadays used since other manufacturing companies working with polymers, fibers and another textile component are still searching for similar solutions. In the variety of registered trademark materials, there are solutions like Spectra Shield®, Goldflex® and Twaron®, which are used in the US. In Europe, ballistic fiber manufacturing is led by Dutch company DSM with their product Dyneema®. The Japanese Toyobo CO. is a manufacturer of PBO fibers, commercially known as Zylon®, a high-performance synthetic fiber which originally emerged as the most modern ballistic solution because of its low weight. Nevertheless, a report made by a bulletproof vest manufacturer concerning an alleged degradation of material without an external apparent reason, damaged its reputation (although analysis seem to indicate that its durability is higher in temperate or cold climates). The fact is that Kevlar keeps the advantage especially in Latin-American market because of its low weight, proven durability and, notably, high fire-resistance.

CORDURA® NYLON
This is the name of a polyamide nylon originally developed and manufactured by DuPont. It was registered as trademark in 1929. It was developed from rayon but subsequent improvements and developments transformed it in a high-performance fiber. As being more tear-resistant than nylon, it is used for clothes and accessories manufacturing both civilian (motorcyclist jackets, backpack and ski clothes) and military (high-resistant backpacks, boots and gloves).

It is also the preferred material for high-performance bulletproof vests because its resistance and thermal sewing help to protect the ballistic plates against humidity. In 2004, DuPont merged Cordura® and other successful trademarks (Lycra®, Coolmax®, Thermolite® and Stainmaster® among them) in a division nominated Invista, which in the same year was sold to Koch Industries, a worldwide chemical products leader who is still its owner.