DuPont, a global leader in innovation and materials science, has introduced a groundbreaking product to the market — Kevlar® EXO™. This next-generation aramid fiber is set to revolutionize the body armor industry, offering unprecedented levels of protection, lightness, and flexibility.
Kevlar®, a high-strength material discovered by Stephanie Kwolek at DuPont in 1965, has become synonymous with superior protection and durability. Known for its high tensile strength-to-weight ratio, Kevlar® is five times stronger than steel on an equal-weight basis. It’s used in a wide range of applications, from bullet-resistant vests and combat helmets to racing sails and bicycle tires. Its latest iteration, Kevlar® EXO™, provides enhanced protection while being 30% lighter. This material continues to redefine the standards of safety and performance in numerous industries.
Kevlar® EXO™
Kevlar® EXO™ is the most significant aramid fiber innovation in over 50 years. The development of Kevlar® EXO™ was a result of over a decade of research, refinement, and perfection by DuPont.
DuPont’s Joseph Hovanec says, “EXO™ offers unparalleled technical properties that set a new standard in strength, durability, and performance. Its exceptional resistance to impact and abrasion, combined with its lightweight nature, exemplifies the pinnacle of material engineering. This innovation redefines what is possible in the realm of advanced materials.”
The name EXO is a nod to an exoskeleton, symbolizing the durable, light, and flexible protection this material provides. Just like an exoskeleton protects and shields animals from harm, Kevlar® EXO™ serves as a protective layer for humans, particularly those in high-risk professions such as military and law enforcement.
Kevlar® EXO™ was unveiled on April 14, 2023. It is a new technology developed for applications where performance and protection are required. The first use for EXO™ is in life protection, specifically in high-performing body armor.
Other Properties
One of the most significant advantages of Kevlar® EXO™ is its weight. The lighter weight allows law enforcement officers and military personnel to move faster and with more agility, potentially reducing fatigue and enabling wearers to operate at peak performance for longer periods.
Kevlar® EXO™ provides the highest ballistic performance among all aramid fibers without compromising on weight, making it a best-in-class, extremely lightweight ballistic soft armor solution available on the market today.
Kevlar® EXO™ stands out as an extraordinary material with innate flame and temperature resistance. Its remarkable properties make it impervious to melting and ignition, even at temperatures as high as 500°C (932°F), providing top-notch defense. This durability means that Kevlar® EXO™ maintains its high level of protection, even after five years of use, ensuring reliability.
Despite its enhanced protective capabilities, Kevlar® EXO™ does not compromise on comfort. It provides protection at minimum thickness, allowing for the creation of more comfortable and flexible garments. The material’s unmatched pliability allows it to contour to curves and body lines, providing a more body-inclusive solution while still offering maximum protection.
A Revolutionary Material
Kevlar® EXO™ is a revolutionary material that could transform the body armor industry. Its unparalleled combination of lightweight, flexibility, and protection enables body armor to be comfortable to wear while offering superior protection for law enforcement officers and military personnel.
The introduction of Kevlar® EXO™ represents a significant advancement in personal protection. It is a testament to DuPont’s commitment to innovation and dedication to helping provide the highest level of protection to end users.
Kevlar® EXO™ offers endless customizable wearability for a variety of body types and uses. This innovative material is set to redefine the standards of safety and performance in numerous industries.
Point Blank
In January of this year, Point Blank Enterprises announced they were going to begin manufacturing concealable, soft armor with the EXO fabric. We should see products made with EXO from both Point Blank and major companies that meet the new NIJ standard by late 2024 or early 2025.
Final Thoughts
Kevlar® EXO™ is not just a new product; it’s a game-changer. It promises to provide needed protection with increased comfort. As more manufacturers begin to utilize this material, we can expect to see a new standard of body armor emerge — one that is lighter, stronger, and more comfortable than ever before.