It’s mind-boggling to think where mankind would’ve
been without radical materials. From simple shoelaces to lighter trainers to
stronger aircraft, advances in material sciences have literally transformed
ordinary things forever. Some of these advances include Fibers. Take the case
of Velcro; something that we take for granted today.
The fiber has a 1955 patent (in the name of George de Mestral) and was inspired by the way burrs (a prickly fruit) stick to the fur of animals. In the ‘60s Japanese researchers experimented with ways in which polymers can be infused with carbon fiber inventing strong and light composites, with never before seen strength-to-weight ratios. Everything from fishing rods to F1 cars and aerospace engineering benefited from this. In 1965 Dupont created a high strength para-aramid synthetic fiber called Kevlar. (Counter Strike players are probably nodding their heads right now). Kevlar is literally bulletproof.
The fiber has a 1955 patent (in the name of George de Mestral) and was inspired by the way burrs (a prickly fruit) stick to the fur of animals. In the ‘60s Japanese researchers experimented with ways in which polymers can be infused with carbon fiber inventing strong and light composites, with never before seen strength-to-weight ratios. Everything from fishing rods to F1 cars and aerospace engineering benefited from this. In 1965 Dupont created a high strength para-aramid synthetic fiber called Kevlar. (Counter Strike players are probably nodding their heads right now). Kevlar is literally bulletproof.
