Vectran®
Also known as: LCP fibre, Liquid-crystal polyester
Aromatic polyester fibre spun from liquid crystal polymer (LCP) by Kuraray, extremely strong with very low creep.
Description
Vectran® is a multifilament high-performance fibre made from a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer (LCP) based on aromatic polyesters. The fibre has been produced by Kuraray (Japan) since 1990 and Kuraray has been the sole global manufacturer since 2005. Its distinctive colour is golden yellow.
Vectran® reaches tensile strength on par with Kevlar, is virtually moisture-insensitive, chemically resistant and shows almost no creep under sustained load — ideal for load-bearing lines, airbags and space applications. Examples: Mars rover airbags, Pathfinder parachute risers and racing sailcloth. Drawbacks: UV-sensitive (needs coating) and expensive.
- LCP polyester (aromatic, thermotropic)
- Made by Kuraray (Japan)
- Tensile strength approx. 3200 MPa, extremely low creep
- Airbags, balloon envelopes, sails, climbing ropes
Vectran® is spun in linear densities from 55 dtex to over 1670 dtex.
Properties
| Fibre class | LCP (aromatic polyester) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kuraray (Japan) |
| Tensile strength | approx. 3200 MPa |
| Use | Airbags, ropes, sails, aerospace |
Related product categories
Sources & references
1- Wikipedia: Vectran Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vectran
