Teijin Aramid to stop research programme
Dutch high-tech fibre developer Teijin Aramid has announced it is stopping its research program that would develop and commercialize aramid copolymers containing DAPBI. The prototype materials demonstrated good antiballistic performance, but use of the substance could be dangerous to people involved in the production of the monomer and copolymer.
In recent years, Arnhem-based Teijin Aramid has been engaged in a research and development program with several international partners to develop and commercialize the aramid copolymers. The program was aimed at further improving the performance of aramid polymers, mainly for anti-ballistic applications. However, it was found that the DAPBI monomer is mutagenic, severely toxic to the kidneys at very low dosages, toxic to reproduction and possibly carcinogenic.
Teijin Aramid’s current polymer for Twaron contains two monomers (building blocks) called PPD and TDC. In copolymer yarn, part of the PPD is replaced by a different building block called DAPBI, to achieve a further reduction in weight of personal body armour at the same threat level.
The company said it will continue to develop anti-ballistic products with improved performance like Twaron Ultra Micro, an ultra-microfilament fibre launched in January 2013.