Kuraray will accelerate the application exploitation of its high-strength polyarylate fiber “Vectran.” Since “Vectran” has characteristics such as low-temperature resistance and low moisture absorption, it is assumed to have been used for one part of wall materials of the trial space hotel launched by NASA this spring. Because it has a proven track record of being used for an airbag of a Mars explorer in the past, “Vectran” is expected to expand its application in the space field. Regarding its application in sports, the polyarylate prepreg has been making its performance records on being used for a golf shaft. “Vectran” offers an advantage when used for a protection net of a baseball stadium as well. It enables people to watch clearer even from a backside of the net, since a fiber diameter of “Vectran” can be made finer. Kuraray will continue the application exploitation in various fields, making full use of the characteristics provided to no other high-performance fiber.

JCFA News Letter (No.13) November, 2016/Japan Chemical Fibers Association