Abstract This paper summarizes and explains the controversy over the use of Zylon in body armor and whether or not Zylon should continue to be used in bulletproof vests. The paper also looks at whether Second Chance Industries, the company that manufactures and sells the body armor vests, should be held responsible for the entire financial costs of replacing the 200,000 plus vests in use today. This would bankrupt the company.
Executive Summary
Introduction
Literature Review
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "The story of the controversy surrounding the use of Zylon? in body armor seems to be a rather predictable tale of the obfuscations of business and government concerning public health and safety, with the expected casualties and penalizing of its whistle-blowers. One of the differences and the many others that have emerged concerning product safety in this post-atomic age is that in this case it has only taken a single death for the biggest name in business to immediately recant and actively pursue some kind of resolution, even if it might not be what its customers would find perfectly ideal."
Abstract This paper provides an overview and background of aramids, in general, and Kevlar, in particular, including its physical properties, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as anticipated future developments and trends in its production. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Advantages and Disadvantages
Future Developments and Trends
Conclusion
From the Paper "Background and Overview. Kevlar is an industrial textile that is most commonly known in the manufacture of bulletproof vests; however, it is also used in the manufacture of composites, and fiber optic and electromechanical cables (Seewald, 1991). Industrial textiles refer to the manufacture of such fabrics as asbestos, glass fibers, carbon fibers and Kevlar, which are produced for the automotive, aerospace sectors of industry (Martin, Penn & Scattergood, 1991). Following the success of nylons in such applications, aromatic nylons known as aramids were created through the condensation of a diamine and terephthalic acid (this is a carboxylic acid that contains a hexagonal benzene ring in its molecules). The close packing of the aromatic polymer chains resulted in a strong, tough, stiff, high-melting fiber that was suitable for use in radial tires, heat- or flame-resistant fabrics, bulletproof clothing, and fiber-reinforced composite materials. DuPont first began to produce Nomex (its trademark for poly-meta-phenylene isophthalamide) in 1961 and Kevlar (the trademarked name of poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide) in 1971 (Stevens & Kauffman, 2004)."
