Zylon

Zylon is a trademark for a synthetic fiber manufacturer Toyobo, headquartered in Osaka, Japan.

IUPAC name: poly (p- phenylene-2 ​​,6- benzobisoxazole )

The fiber is a component of various products such as protective equipment ( body armor ), high voltage power lines, motorcycle helmets, cut resistant gloves, sports equipment, and more.

The material has a high tensile strength at too high elastic modulus ( 270 GPa). The values ​​of the fiber, in these points by a factor of 2 than those of fibers made of aramid. Zylon burns only when the environment has an artificially generated oxygen content of about 68%. The melting temperature is reached at about 650 ° C.

The fabric has fallen into disrepute because the protective performance of a protective vest with Zylon after a few years as well as the wetting of the material decreases more than protection from other materials. For this reason, in North Rhine -Westphalia employed by the police, especially light armor of the manufacturer Second Chance to be replaced since 2004.

Since the 2007 season, one ten -millimeter-thick sheets of Zylon be prescribed as a lateral intrusion prevention by the FIA ​​in the formula. Since the 2008 season, like, seven -millimeter-thick plates are also prescribed in the IndyCar Series. Before the Formula 1 2011 season the safety conditions of the cars were even stricter, Zylon now also protects the legs of the driver and not just the upper body. Is achieved throughout by the lateral application of Zylonplatten on the monocoque.

Another application of find PBO cable on sailing yachts. There they are used, among other Stage and shrouds. Advantages over traditional wire ropes are lighter weight ( weight advantage of 80 to 90 % ), a significantly stiffer rig and less wind resistance. Disadvantage is the sensitivity to external influences such as moisture and ultraviolet radiation.