1. MATERIAL SCIENCESPECTRA Alann E. Diaz MEEN 3344

2. SPECTRA FIBER • One of the world’s strongest and lightest fibers. A bright white polyethylene, that is ten to fifteen times stronger than steel and more durable than polyester, that has a specific strength that is 40 percent greater than Aramid fiber. • Developed by Honeywell in late 1980s • Comparable to Dyneema properties   • Spectra is more comfortable, flexible and 40 percent lighter material than Kevlar.

3. PROPERTIES • Light enough to float (.097 Specific Gravity) • High resistance to chemicals, water, and UV light • Excellent vibration damping • Highly flex strength • Low coefficient of friction • Good resistance to abrasion • Superior breaking strength • Susceptible to creep • Low dielectric constant makes it virtually transparent to radar

4. Properties Spectra Fibers Spectra Fiber Generations: Spectra Fiber 900 Spectra Fiber 1000 Spectra Fiber 2000

5. APPLICATIONS • Marine ropes • Commercial fishing nets • Security netting and barrier products • Industrial cordage and slings • Ropes and Cordage

6. Police & military vests and helmets • Cut-protection products • Storm protection panels • Composite armors for vehicles and aircrafts

7. REFERENCES • http://www.honeywell.com/sites/sm/afc/spectra_fiber.htm • http://www.spylife.com/spectra_shield.html • http://www.warwickmills.com/Spectra.html • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyneema