dduelin
Site Supporter
The science is clear - aramid fibers like Kevlar are susceptible to degradation from exposure to UV. The manufacturer of Kevlar warns against use in the visible light spectrum unless the fibers are protected by a UV stable cover or sheath. It is clearly explained in the first link I provided. I think DuPont even warns against damage that can occur when storing Kevlar fabric "near a window". That's not slander, it comes directly from DuPont. If the CEO is not aware of this I'd have to wonder what else he is unaware of. It's been known for at least 30 years.
What is not clear in this discussion and on the website is how you can weave an open mesh cloth with a portion of it a Kevlar blend and not have it exposed to UV. By definition cloth is made of individual fibers made into threads that are woven in an over and under construction of warp and weft. Unless the outer shell is covered completely with a UV blocking outer shell a portion of the weave is exposed to UV. If it isn't exposed then just explain how it is done and still leaves the mesh open to air flow. That's a fair question.
I am not saying brief exposure to sunlight turns Kevlar to dust. Many riders simply don't ride enough to get the type of UV exposure to adversely affect the garment and those that do may not see the damage that may have occurred and even if damage occurs there may be sufficient strength left to protect in a get-off. It's my preference not to take that chance and my right to warn others of possible risk.
What is not clear in this discussion and on the website is how you can weave an open mesh cloth with a portion of it a Kevlar blend and not have it exposed to UV. By definition cloth is made of individual fibers made into threads that are woven in an over and under construction of warp and weft. Unless the outer shell is covered completely with a UV blocking outer shell a portion of the weave is exposed to UV. If it isn't exposed then just explain how it is done and still leaves the mesh open to air flow. That's a fair question.
I am not saying brief exposure to sunlight turns Kevlar to dust. Many riders simply don't ride enough to get the type of UV exposure to adversely affect the garment and those that do may not see the damage that may have occurred and even if damage occurs there may be sufficient strength left to protect in a get-off. It's my preference not to take that chance and my right to warn others of possible risk.
