Dyneema is known as one of the strongest materials in the world. Dyneema is used across many industries: the military and law enforcement exploit Dyneema in their bulletproof vests, stab-resistant vests, safety gloves; the fishing industry uses it for ropes and nets; and it is now used more than ever in outdoor equipment.
What is Dyneema made of
Dyneema is produced exclusively in the Netherlands by Dyneema itself. Dyneema, also known as UHMwPE, is an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. The Dyneema fabric is built from long molecular chains with exceptionally strong intermolecular bonds. This makes it the strongest of any thermoplastic and an extremely lightweight fiber, up to 15 times stronger than steel and 40 times stronger than aramid fibers. Aramid fibers are another type of synthetic material with similar properties; one of the most common types of aramid fiber is Kevlar.
Dyneema materials can also float on water and are extremely resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. Likewise the fiber is ultra-resistant to bases and acids as well as organic solvents. At the same time Dyneema is 15 times more abrasion resistant than carbon steel.
Dyneema's chemical composition gives it many characteristics such as:
- Resistance to most chemicals
- Low density
- Invisible to ultraviolet light sources and thermal imaging devices
- Floats on water
- Smooth to the touch
- Flame retardant and self-extinguishing
- Withstands extreme cold and hot temperatures
- Biologically inert (does not cause a reaction in the human body)
- High electrical resistance
- Low elongation at break; the energy required to break it is high
- Very high strength
Dyneema is processed and manufactured in many different forms:
The most basic form functions as a sandwich laminate: Dyneema fibers are laid on top of each other in a non-woven grid and melted between two layers of polyester film using a high-pressure autoclave. This is called Dyneema Compostive Fabric. Another version adds a fourth layer of ripstop nylon to the layers, which makes it stronger but also adds weight. In an even more robust version the Dyneema fiber is spun into a kind of yarn, which is then woven into a fabric and fused to the original fiber layers.
Dyneema in ballistic vests
Depending on how a Dyneema vest is manufactured, it can withstand stabbings, handgun bullets, high-velocity fragments and rifle rounds from weapons such as the AK47. Dyneema is also used in ballistic helmets, shields and trauma plates. Dyneema vests provide maximum protection in a lighter, more flexible, comfortable and mobile form.
Dyneema can reduce the weight of a ballistic vest by up to 20% without compromising comfort, flexibility or performance.
In addition, Dyneema uses less material to achieve the same performance and has a 30% lower carbon footprint than armor made with aramid.
- 20% material savings
- 30% less CO2 emissions
Quick overview of advantages of Dyneema vests:
- 20% material savings
- 30% less CO2 emissions
- Ultra-light material
- Both bullet- and stab-resistant
- Comfortable
