Allied Introduces New Super-Strength Fiber

—Literature Available Spectra-900™, a high-performance fiber that is said to be the strongest fiber pound-for-pound ever made, was recently introduced by Allied Corporation of Morristown, N.J. A super-tough polymer fiber, Spectra-900 was invented in Allied's Corporate Research Laboratories in Morris Township, N.J., and is being developed and marketed by the Fibers Division of the company's Chemical Sector in Petersburg, Va.

"This polyethylene fiber is 30 to 50 percent stronger than its nearest rival, aramid fiber," James J.

Dunbar, general manager of the Spectra-900 Group, remarked. (The total market for aramid and graphite fibers, Spectra-900's direct competitors, is approximately $300 million.) Dr. L. James Colby Jr., Allied senior vice president-technology, noted that Spectra-900 is "just the first in a series of extended chain polymer fibers we expect to introduce.

The evolution of this product from lab to marketplace is an excellent example of successful cooperation between scientists and business managers." In addition to being strong, Spectra- 900 is lightweight (it floats), abrasion resistant, very tough, and has low sensitivity to moisture. The product was introduced to the commercial and pleasure boat markets at the recent Miami Boat Show. Its first commercial application for these industries is in braided ropes, cordage and sails. "Spectra-900 high performance sails made by Howe and Bainbridge are represented in the races in Miami," Mr. Dunbar noted. Samson Ocean Systems has taken this fiber and made it into XLS-900 rope for commercial marine use that it calls the "new generation double braid." Based on an ultra-high-molecular- weight polyethylene, Spectra- 900 is made by an Allied gel-spinning process that produces an extended chain polymer that takes advantage of the inherent strength of the polyethylene molecule. The fiber can be used alone, and the technology also holds promise for use with other polymers as well. Two new fibers are already under development.

Eventually the company will supply a wide range of gel-spun fibers offering combinations of properties and deniers tailored to specific end-use applications.

Hybrid composites will also be used to tailor end-use properties even more closely. A graphite/Spectra- 900 composite, for instance, would benefit from the very high impact strength of the Spectra-900 and the very high modulus of the graphite. Allied sees aircraft/aerospace applications for this hybrid, providing that end-use temperatures are acceptable. Spectra-900's major limitation is its melting point of 150 C.

Spectra-900 can also be used in combination with aramid and glass fibers. Additional options being explored include foam composites and honeycombs for products requiring increased rigidity.

Spectra-900's unique properties make it suitable for a number of applications, including: Hard and Soft Ballistics—body armor fabrics, helmets, rigid armor composites, rocket casings, pressure vessels, and radomes; Industrial—conveyor belts, hoses, netting, webbing, communication and power cable reinforcement and composites; Medical— artificial joints, limbs, ligaments, implants and prostheses; Sporting Equipment—helmets, skis, sailboards, bicycles, gliders, ultra- light aircraft, fishing rods and racquets; Composites—reinforcing fiber in filament winding, hand layup and vacuum bag molding; Petroleum— geotextiles, oil recovery booms, oil-rig riser tensioner systems and flexible pipe reinforcement.

Currently, one grade of Spectra- 900 is available—a 1200 denier fiber in developmental quantities at $22 a pound for high performance sails and marine ropes. "We are now in the pilot plant stages of production, but have begun design on a commercial facility at a location where Allied already turns out industrial fibers," Mr. Dunbar commented.

For further information and free literature on Allied Corporation's Spectra-900, Circle 41 on Reader Service Card

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