{
  "spore": "profile",
  "id": "vectran",
  "spore_version": "0.2",
  "family": "polyesters",
  "name": "Vectran (LCP fibre HT and UM)",
  "abbreviation": "Vectran",
  "role": "high-strength liquid-crystal-polymer fibre for webbing, cords, airbags and spacesuit softgoods",
  "category": "textiles",
  "type": "vectran",
  "summary": "Vectran is a liquid-crystal-polymer fibre, an aromatic polyester made by Kuraray. Kuraray gives a density of 1.40 g/cm3 and a tenacity of 24.3 cN/dtex for the HT grade, and MiniFIBERS gives a modulus of about 75 GPa. Vectran was the airbag fabric for Mars landings from Mars Pathfinder onward, and NASA's 2004 literature table gives a maximum use temperature of 150 °C with 55% of tenacity left at 150 °C.\n",
  "best_for": "Light, low-moisture straps, cords and softgoods that must stay strong, such as solar-array tie-downs. Kuraray gives a moisture content ratio of 0.1% at 90% RH for the HT grade.",
  "weakest_at": "Heat and creep under long loads: NASA's literature table gives 150 °C as the maximum use temperature and 55% tenacity at 150 °C, and NASA's 2004 test found creep is not zero.",
  "identity": {
    "formula": "Aromatic polyester (thermotropic liquid-crystal polymer) made from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid; no repeat unit is printed in the sources read",
    "designations": [],
    "source": "wiki-vectran",
    "where": "Opening section, composition sentence (polycondensation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid)"
  },
  "tags": {
    "environments": [
      "mars-surface"
    ],
    "stresses": [
      "extreme-heat",
      "uv",
      "vacuum-and-outgassing"
    ],
    "applications": [
      "structures",
      "solar-arrays",
      "habitats-and-suits",
      "rovers-and-surface-systems"
    ]
  },
  "properties": [
    {
      "benchmark": "density",
      "label": "Density, VECTRAN HT",
      "value": 1.4,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "g/cm3",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "VECTRAN HT",
        "test": "not stated on the page"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 1.40 g/cm3 in Kuraray's basic physical properties table; no test standard printed",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "kuraray-basic",
      "where": "Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row Density (g/cm3), HT column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website)",
        "id": "Kuraray VECTRAN basic physical properties table, HT and UM columns",
        "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "Kuraray web page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "density",
      "label": "Density, VECTRAN UM",
      "value": 1.4,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "g/cm3",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "VECTRAN UM",
        "test": "not stated on the page"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 1.40 g/cm3 in Kuraray's basic physical properties table; no test standard printed",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "kuraray-basic",
      "where": "Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row Density (g/cm3), UM column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website)",
        "id": "Kuraray VECTRAN basic physical properties table, HT and UM columns",
        "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "Kuraray web page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "density",
      "label": "Density, Vectran HT (data sheet range)",
      "value": 1.4,
      "value_high": 1.41,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "g/cm3",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Vectran HT",
        "basis": "range printed on the data sheet"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 1.40-1.41 g/cm3 in the MiniFIBERS property list; no test standard printed",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "minifibers-tds",
      "where": "Property list on page 1, line 'Density'",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Data Sheet, LCP Fibers, Vectran HT (MiniFIBERS)",
        "id": "MiniFIBERS doc PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers, DCN 250303",
        "url": "https://www.minifibers.com/files/TD/PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers.pdf",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "supplier document, cited not reproduced; states typical values, not a specification"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "density",
      "label": "Density, Vectran (NASA literature table)",
      "value": 1.47,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "g/cm3",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "literature value in NASA's table of high-strength fibres, Vectran row",
        "product_as_named": "Vectran HS"
      },
      "method": "Literature value compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table does not give a test method",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Disagrees with the 1.40 g/cm3 that Kuraray prints for HT and UM; both are kept with their sources.",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Appendix A, Table 1 (Comparison of High Strength Fibers), Vectran row, density column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
      "label": "Tensile strength, VECTRAN HT",
      "value": 24.3,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "cN/dtex",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "VECTRAN HT",
        "yarn": "1670 dtex yarn, 80 T/M",
        "test": "Kuraray in-house tensile method"
      },
      "method": "Kuraray in-house tensile method, marked by footnote ** on the page; the page prints no ISO or ASTM standard",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Same Kuraray table prints 18.9 cN/dtex for the regular aramid comparison column, under the same test footnote.",
      "source": "kuraray-basic",
      "where": "Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row Tensile strength (cN/dtex), HT column, footnote **",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website)",
        "id": "Kuraray VECTRAN basic physical properties table, HT and UM columns",
        "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "Kuraray web page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
      "label": "Tensile strength, VECTRAN UM",
      "value": 19.1,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "cN/dtex",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "VECTRAN UM",
        "yarn": "1670 dtex yarn, 80 T/M",
        "test": "Kuraray in-house tensile method"
      },
      "method": "Kuraray in-house tensile method, marked by footnote ** on the page; the page prints no ISO or ASTM standard",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "kuraray-basic",
      "where": "Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row Tensile strength (cN/dtex), UM column, footnote **",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website)",
        "id": "Kuraray VECTRAN basic physical properties table, HT and UM columns",
        "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "Kuraray web page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
      "label": "Tenacity, Vectran HT (data sheet)",
      "value": 3.2,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "GPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Vectran HT",
        "approximation": "printed with a tilde, so approximate"
      },
      "method": "Printed as ~3.2 GPa on the MiniFIBERS property list; the same line also prints ~25.9 g/den",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "minifibers-tds",
      "where": "Property list on page 1, line 'Tenacity'",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Data Sheet, LCP Fibers, Vectran HT (MiniFIBERS)",
        "id": "MiniFIBERS doc PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers, DCN 250303",
        "url": "https://www.minifibers.com/files/TD/PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers.pdf",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "supplier document, cited not reproduced; states typical values, not a specification"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
      "label": "Tensile strength, Vectran (NASA literature table 1)",
      "value": 3.2,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "GPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "literature value in NASA's table of high-strength fibres, Vectran row",
        "product_as_named": "Vectran HS"
      },
      "method": "Literature value compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table does not give a test method",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Appendix A, Table 1 (Comparison of High Strength Fibers), Vectran row, strength column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
      "label": "Tenacity, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)",
      "value": 2.9,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "GPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 tenacity row",
        "also_printed": "23 gpd"
      },
      "method": "Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table gives no test method",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Lower than the 3.2 GPa in NASA's Table 1 and in the MiniFIBERS sheet; both are kept.",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Appendix A, Table 2 (Summary of Literature Properties for Vectran and Kevlar 49), Tenacity row, Vectran column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elongation",
      "label": "Breaking elongation, VECTRAN HT",
      "value": 3.6,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "VECTRAN HT",
        "yarn": "1670 dtex yarn, 80 T/M",
        "test": "Kuraray in-house tensile method"
      },
      "method": "Kuraray in-house tensile method, marked by footnote ** on the page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "kuraray-basic",
      "where": "Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row Breaking elongation (%), HT column, footnote **",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website)",
        "id": "Kuraray VECTRAN basic physical properties table, HT and UM columns",
        "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "Kuraray web page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elongation",
      "label": "Breaking elongation, VECTRAN UM",
      "value": 2.3,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "VECTRAN UM",
        "yarn": "1670 dtex yarn, 80 T/M",
        "test": "Kuraray in-house tensile method"
      },
      "method": "Kuraray in-house tensile method, marked by footnote ** on the page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "kuraray-basic",
      "where": "Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row Breaking elongation (%), UM column, footnote **",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website)",
        "id": "Kuraray VECTRAN basic physical properties table, HT and UM columns",
        "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "Kuraray web page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elongation",
      "label": "Elongation, Vectran HT (data sheet)",
      "value": 4,
      "bound": "upper",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Vectran HT"
      },
      "method": "Printed as <4.0% on the MiniFIBERS property list",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "minifibers-tds",
      "where": "Property list on page 1, line 'Elongation'",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Data Sheet, LCP Fibers, Vectran HT (MiniFIBERS)",
        "id": "MiniFIBERS doc PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers, DCN 250303",
        "url": "https://www.minifibers.com/files/TD/PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers.pdf",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "supplier document, cited not reproduced; states typical values, not a specification"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
      "label": "Initial modulus, VECTRAN HT",
      "value": 530,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "cN/dtex",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "VECTRAN HT",
        "yarn": "1670 dtex yarn, 80 T/M",
        "test": "Kuraray in-house tensile method"
      },
      "method": "Kuraray in-house tensile method, marked by footnote ** on the page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "kuraray-basic",
      "where": "Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row Initial modulus (cN/dtex), HT column, footnote **",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website)",
        "id": "Kuraray VECTRAN basic physical properties table, HT and UM columns",
        "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "Kuraray web page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
      "label": "Initial modulus, VECTRAN UM",
      "value": 740,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "cN/dtex",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "VECTRAN UM",
        "yarn": "1670 dtex yarn, 80 T/M",
        "test": "Kuraray in-house tensile method"
      },
      "method": "Kuraray in-house tensile method, marked by footnote ** on the page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "kuraray-basic",
      "where": "Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row Initial modulus (cN/dtex), UM column, footnote **",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website)",
        "id": "Kuraray VECTRAN basic physical properties table, HT and UM columns",
        "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "Kuraray web page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
      "label": "Modulus, Vectran HT (data sheet)",
      "value": 75,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "GPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Vectran HT",
        "approximation": "printed with a tilde, so approximate"
      },
      "method": "Printed as ~75 GPa on the MiniFIBERS property list",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "minifibers-tds",
      "where": "Property list on page 1, line 'Modulus'",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Data Sheet, LCP Fibers, Vectran HT (MiniFIBERS)",
        "id": "MiniFIBERS doc PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers, DCN 250303",
        "url": "https://www.minifibers.com/files/TD/PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers.pdf",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "supplier document, cited not reproduced; states typical values, not a specification"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
      "label": "Modulus, Vectran (NASA literature table 1)",
      "value": 91,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "GPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "literature value in NASA's table of high-strength fibres, Vectran row",
        "product_as_named": "Vectran HS"
      },
      "method": "Literature value compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table does not give a test method",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Appendix A, Table 1 (Comparison of High Strength Fibers), Vectran row, modulus column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
      "label": "Modulus, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)",
      "value": 65,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "GPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 modulus row",
        "also_printed": "525 gpd"
      },
      "method": "Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table gives no test method",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Lower than the 75 GPa (MiniFIBERS) and 91 GPa (NASA Table 1) values; all three are kept.",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Appendix A, Table 2 (Summary of Literature Properties for Vectran and Kevlar 49), Modulus row, Vectran column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "decomposition_temperature",
      "label": "Decomposition temperature, VECTRAN HT",
      "value": 480,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "VECTRAN HT",
        "method_as_printed": "measured by TG-DTA"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 480 ℃ with the note 'measured by TG-DTA'; the page's same table prints the aramid comparison column at 550 ℃",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "kuraray-basic",
      "where": "Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row Decomposition temperature (℃), HT column, footnote *",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website)",
        "id": "Kuraray VECTRAN basic physical properties table, HT and UM columns",
        "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "Kuraray web page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "decomposition_temperature",
      "label": "Decomposition temperature, VECTRAN UM",
      "value": 472,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "VECTRAN UM",
        "method_as_printed": "measured by TG-DTA"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 472 ℃ with the note 'measured by TG-DTA'",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "kuraray-basic",
      "where": "Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row Decomposition temperature (℃), UM column, footnote *",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website)",
        "id": "Kuraray VECTRAN basic physical properties table, HT and UM columns",
        "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "Kuraray web page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "decomposition_temperature",
      "label": "Decomposition, Vectran HT (data sheet)",
      "value": 400,
      "bound": "lower",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Vectran HT"
      },
      "method": "Printed as decomposes at >400 °C (752 °F) on the MiniFIBERS property list",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "minifibers-tds",
      "where": "Property list on page 1, line 'Effect of Heat'",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Data Sheet, LCP Fibers, Vectran HT (MiniFIBERS)",
        "id": "MiniFIBERS doc PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers, DCN 250303",
        "url": "https://www.minifibers.com/files/TD/PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers.pdf",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "supplier document, cited not reproduced; states typical values, not a specification"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "decomposition_temperature",
      "label": "Weight loss 50% by TGA, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)",
      "value": 550,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 TGA row",
        "test": "TGA, 50% weight loss, as printed"
      },
      "method": "Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table gives no heating rate",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Different test from the Kuraray TG-DTA value (480 °C); the two are not comparable and both are kept.",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Appendix A, Table 2, row TGA 50% weight loss, Vectran column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "melting_point",
      "label": "Melting point, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)",
      "value": 330,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 melting point row"
      },
      "method": "Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the 2014 NASA webbing report also states it melts at 330°C",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "The MiniFIBERS sheet says Vectran softens at 300 °C and does not melt, so the sources disagree on whether it melts.",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Appendix A, Table 2, Melting Point row, Vectran column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "softening_temperature",
      "label": "Softening temperature, Vectran HT (data sheet)",
      "value": 300,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Vectran HT",
        "note_as_printed": "softens; does not melt"
      },
      "method": "Printed as softens at 300 °C / 572 °F on the MiniFIBERS property list; it is not a Vicat or HDT test",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Custom name: softening temperature is not in the canonical property list; it is not a Vicat or heat deflection result.",
      "source": "minifibers-tds",
      "where": "Property list on page 1, line 'Effect of Heat'",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Data Sheet, LCP Fibers, Vectran HT (MiniFIBERS)",
        "id": "MiniFIBERS doc PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers, DCN 250303",
        "url": "https://www.minifibers.com/files/TD/PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers.pdf",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "supplier document, cited not reproduced; states typical values, not a specification"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "max_service_temp",
      "label": "Maximum use temperature, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)",
      "value": 150,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 maximum use temperature row"
      },
      "method": "Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table gives no method for the limit",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Appendix A, Table 2, row Max Use Temperature, Vectran column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "tenacity_retention_150c",
      "label": "Tenacity retained at 150 °C, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)",
      "value": 55,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 '% Tenacity at 150 ºC' row",
        "exposure": "150 °C, as printed"
      },
      "method": "Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table gives no exposure time",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Kevlar 49 keeps 81% on the same row. Custom name: tenacity retention at a given temperature is not in the canonical property list.",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Appendix A, Table 2, row % Tenacity at 150 ºC, Vectran column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "cte",
      "label": "Mean CTE, Vectran (20 to 145 °C, Celanese value quoted by NASA)",
      "value": -4.8,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "µm/m-°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "range": "20 to 145 °C",
        "source_says": "reported by Celanese, the manufacturer",
        "unit_in_source": "m/m - ºC x 10^6 in Table 2"
      },
      "method": "Quoted in NASA/TM-2004-212773 text and Table 2 (CTE 20-145 ºC row, Vectran column)",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "CTE Testing section, sentence 'A CTE of -4.8 µm/m-°C from 20 to 145 °C was reported by Celanese'; Appendix A, Table 2, CTE row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "cte",
      "label": "Mean CTE, Vectran (measured by NASA GSFC, 125 to 0 °C)",
      "value": -5.78,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "µm/m-°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "range": "125 °C to 0 °C",
        "heating_range": "-150 °C to 150 °C"
      },
      "method": "Measured by NASA GSFC on Vectran fibre specimens in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the report says the CTE is not linear",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "CTE Testing section, first paragraph",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "moisture_absorption",
      "label": "Moisture content ratio, VECTRAN HT",
      "value": 0.1,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "VECTRAN HT",
        "humidity": "90% RH"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 'Moisture content ratio (%, 90%RH)' in Kuraray's table; this is Kuraray's term for moisture regain. The same table prints 5.4% for the regular aramid column at 90% RH",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "kuraray-basic",
      "where": "Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row Moisture content ratio (%, 90%RH), HT column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website)",
        "id": "Kuraray VECTRAN basic physical properties table, HT and UM columns",
        "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "Kuraray web page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "limiting_oxygen_index",
      "label": "Limiting oxygen index, VECTRAN HT",
      "value": 29,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "VECTRAN HT",
        "test": "not stated on the page"
      },
      "method": "Printed as LOI (%) in Kuraray's table; no test standard printed. The same table prints 32% for UM",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Custom name: LOI is not in the canonical property list.",
      "source": "kuraray-basic",
      "where": "Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row LOI (%), HT column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website)",
        "id": "Kuraray VECTRAN basic physical properties table, HT and UM columns",
        "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "Kuraray web page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "total_mass_loss",
      "label": "Total mass lost in micro-VCM test",
      "value": 0.06,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "specimen": "Vectran HS Type 97, 1500 denier, 12 strand braid, tested as received",
        "coating": "silicone oil (IR spectroscopy showed it)",
        "standard": "ASTM E-595-93",
        "runs": 3
      },
      "method": "Measured by NASA GSFC (D. Dove and D. Thomas), 1 June 2004, per ASTM E-595-93 micro-VCM",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Custom name: total mass loss is not in the canonical property list. The silicone-oil coating can be declined for flight.",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Results, Out-gas Testing section and Table 8 (Micro VCM Out-gassing Test), Average Total Mass Lost row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "cvcm",
      "label": "Collected volatile condensable material (CVCM)",
      "value": 0.01,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "specimen": "Vectran HS Type 97, 1500 denier, 12 strand braid, tested as received",
        "standard": "ASTM E-595-93",
        "runs": 3
      },
      "method": "Measured by NASA GSFC, 1 June 2004, per ASTM E-595-93 micro-VCM",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Custom name: CVCM is not in the canonical property list.",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Table 8 (Micro VCM Out-gassing Test), Average CVCM row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "water_vapour_regain",
      "label": "Water vapour regain at 50% RH",
      "value": 0.01,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "specimen": "Vectran HS Type 97, 1500 denier, 12 strand braid",
        "humidity": "50% RH"
      },
      "method": "Measured by NASA GSFC, 1 June 2004, per ASTM E-595-93 micro-VCM (WVR column)",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Custom name: water vapour regain is not in the canonical property list.",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Table 8 (Micro VCM Out-gassing Test), Average WVR @ 50% RH row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "creep_rate",
      "label": "Creep, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)",
      "value": 0.0003,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%/log(t)",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 creep row",
        "kevlar_49": "0.0015 %/Log(t) on the same row"
      },
      "method": "Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the 2004 NASA test did not support the 'zero creep' claim",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Custom name: creep rate is not in the canonical property list. The abstract says creep was about four times slower than similar Kevlar 49 products.",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Appendix A, Table 2, Creep %/Log(t) row, Vectran column; Abstract",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "stress_relaxation_rate",
      "label": "Stress relaxation, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)",
      "value": 0.033,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%/log(t)",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 stress relaxation row",
        "kevlar_49": "0.015 %/Log(t) on the same row"
      },
      "method": "Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Custom name: stress relaxation rate is not in the canonical property list. Vectran relaxes faster than Kevlar 49 on this row.",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Appendix A, Table 2, Stress Relaxation %/Log(t) row, Vectran column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
        "year": 2004,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "webbing_uts_variance",
      "label": "Average variance of UTS about the roll mean, 12K Vectran webbing",
      "value": 9.4,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "webbing": "12K Vectran webbing, Mil-T-87130 architecture, light R resin treatment",
        "comparison": "12K Kevlar 3.7 % on the same page"
      },
      "method": "Average variance about each roll's mean UTS, from NASA roll test data (87 rolls tested across four webbing types)",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Custom name: webbing UTS variance is not in the canonical property list.",
      "source": "nasa-webbing-2014",
      "where": "Section A (UTS Testing and Variance), paragraph after Figure 8",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Time-Dependent Behavior of High-Strength Kevlar and Vectran Webbing (NASA, AIAA paper)",
        "id": "NTRS 20140003948",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20140003948",
        "year": 2014,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "shrinkage_boiling_water",
      "label": "Shrinkage in boiling water, Vectran HT (data sheet)",
      "value": 0.2,
      "bound": "upper",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Vectran HT"
      },
      "method": "Printed as <0.2% on the MiniFIBERS property list",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Custom name: boiling-water shrinkage is not in the canonical property list.",
      "source": "minifibers-tds",
      "where": "Property list on page 1, line 'Shrinkage, Boiling Water'",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Data Sheet, LCP Fibers, Vectran HT (MiniFIBERS)",
        "id": "MiniFIBERS doc PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers, DCN 250303",
        "url": "https://www.minifibers.com/files/TD/PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers.pdf",
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "supplier document, cited not reproduced; states typical values, not a specification"
      }
    }
  ],
  "corrosion": [
    {
      "environment": "Radiation exposure (high levels of radiation)",
      "headline": "Virtually unaffected by high radiation, per MiniFIBERS.",
      "effect": "MiniFIBERS says Vectran is virtually unaffected by high levels of radiation and that UV resistance is moderate. No dose or test figure is printed on the sheet.",
      "rating": "low",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "qualitative statement on a data sheet; no dose or test standard printed"
      },
      "source": "minifibers-tds",
      "where": "Durability paragraph"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Sunlight (ultraviolet exposure)",
      "headline": "UV degradation is similar to Kevlar, per NASA's 2004 comparison.",
      "effect": "NASA's 2004 abstract says Vectran has similar UV degradation to Kevlar 49, and Table 2 prints UV resistance as 'similar'. The MiniFIBERS sheet rates UV resistance as moderate. No UV dose or exposure time is printed in either source.",
      "rating": "moderate",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "qualitative comparison; exposure not stated"
      },
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Abstract; Appendix A, Table 2, row UV Resistance"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Heat at 150 °C",
      "headline": "Keeps 55% of tenacity at 150 °C, against 81% for Kevlar 49.",
      "effect": "NASA's literature table gives 55% tenacity retained at 150 °C for Vectran and 81% for Kevlar 49. The table gives no exposure time, so the figure is a short-term comparison, not a life estimate.",
      "rating": "moderate",
      "conditions": {
        "temperature": "150 °C",
        "exposure": "not stated"
      },
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Appendix A, Table 2, row % Tenacity at 150 ºC"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Humid air (90% RH)",
      "headline": "Moisture content ratio is 0.1% at 90% RH for HT, against 5.4% for the regular aramid column.",
      "effect": "Kuraray prints 0.1% moisture content ratio for HT at 90% RH and 5.4% for its regular aramid column. MiniFIBERS says Vectran does not absorb moisture in practice. NASA's 2004 test gave 0.01% water vapour regain at 50% RH.",
      "rating": "none",
      "conditions": {
        "humidity": "90% RH (Kuraray); 50% RH (NASA)"
      },
      "source": "kuraray-basic",
      "where": "Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row Moisture content ratio (%, 90%RH)"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Bleach, organic solvents, strong acids and bases",
      "headline": "Excellent bleach resistance; resists solvents, acids above 90% and bases below 30%.",
      "effect": "MiniFIBERS says Vectran has excellent bleach resistance and resists organic solvents, some acids above 90% concentration and bases below 30% concentration. It also says strength is well kept across a wide range of chemicals, concentrations, times and temperatures.",
      "rating": "low",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "qualitative statement on a data sheet; no test figures printed"
      },
      "source": "minifibers-tds",
      "where": "Chemical Resistance paragraph"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Simulated lunar soil abrasion (8000 cycles)",
      "headline": "Three candidate fabrics kept dust out; Vectran did not, and its filaments broke.",
      "effect": "In NASA's lunar dust abrasion protocol (8000 cycles with activated lunar simulant), Vectran was one of the fabrics that let dust reach the layers below, unlike Tyvek, Orthofabric and silicone-coated Kevlar. Vectran and Kevlar suffered considerably more filament breakage than Orthofabric. The report gives no numeric wear rate.",
      "rating": "moderate",
      "conditions": {
        "abrasion": "8000 cycles of abrasion with activated lunar simulant (JSC-1 type)",
        "basis": "relative comparison in the report"
      },
      "source": "nasa-lunar-dust-2009",
      "where": "Abstract (item 14); Figure 9 caption (Vectran abraded for 8000 cycles)"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Constant load at ambient temperature (creep)",
      "headline": "Creep is not zero, but about four times slower than Kevlar 49.",
      "effect": "NASA's 2004 test did not support the 'zero creep' claim made by the manufacturer. Creep was about four times slower than similar Kevlar 49 products. Creep life depends strongly on the roll's tensile strength, so the rate varies between rolls.",
      "rating": "moderate",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "NASA GSFC creep tests on braided cord, ambient laboratory conditions with some temperature fluctuation"
      },
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Abstract; Discussion, Creep Testing"
    }
  ],
  "risks": {
    "hazards": [],
    "failure_risks": [
      {
        "mode": "Strength below the minimum breaking load in woven webbing",
        "trigger": "Manufacturing runs of 6K and 12K Vectran webbing with the same architecture as the Kevlar webbing",
        "consequence": "Only 9 of 21 6K Vectran rolls met the Mil-T-87130 minimum of 6,000 lb with the Kevlar architecture; one 12K Vectran roll averaged 11,548 lb against a 12,500 lb minimum, the only 12K roll below minimum.",
        "severity": "high",
        "source": "nasa-webbing-2014",
        "where": "Section A (UTS Testing and Variance), paragraphs after Figures 7 and 8"
      },
      {
        "mode": "Creep life spread between rolls",
        "trigger": "Sustained static load tests, where creep specimens are loaded at a percentage of each roll's average UTS",
        "consequence": "NASA reports that a 20% variance in measured UTS may give an order-of-magnitude difference in creep life, and two 12K Vectran rolls varied by 20% or just below it.",
        "severity": "moderate",
        "source": "nasa-webbing-2014",
        "where": "Section A (UTS Testing and Variance), paragraph after Figure 8"
      },
      {
        "mode": "Filament breakage under lunar dust abrasion",
        "trigger": "Abrasion by activated simulated lunar soil for 8000 cycles on a woven Vectran fabric",
        "consequence": "Vectran let dust reach the layers beneath, and its filaments broke, more than Orthofabric; the report gives no numeric wear rate.",
        "severity": "moderate",
        "source": "nasa-lunar-dust-2009",
        "where": "Abstract (item 14)"
      }
    ],
    "side_effects": [
      {
        "text": "The 2004 NASA outgassing sample was coated with silicone oil. IR spectroscopy showed the coating, which NASA says can be declined for space flight.",
        "affects": "Outgassing result for the tested cord, not the bare fibre",
        "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
        "where": "Out-gas Testing paragraph (CTE and out-gas section)"
      }
    ],
    "handling": [
      {
        "text": "Pre-load braided Vectran cord before testing it for creep or stress relaxation. NASA says a reliable rate cannot be expected until the braid has been pre-loaded.",
        "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
        "where": "Conclusions and Recommendations, item 6"
      },
      {
        "text": "Keep service temperature at or below 150 °C, the maximum use temperature in NASA's literature table.",
        "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
        "where": "Appendix A, Table 2, row Max Use Temperature"
      }
    ],
    "mitigations": [
      {
        "text": "Test the ultimate tensile strength of every roll and set creep test loads as a percentage of that roll's average, so a roll's own strength is used.",
        "source": "nasa-webbing-2014",
        "where": "Section A (UTS Testing and Variance), first paragraph"
      },
      {
        "text": "NASA JSC asked for extra fibres in the Vectran webbing architecture on later runs so that the 6K webbing met the minimum breaking load.",
        "source": "nasa-webbing-2014",
        "where": "Section A (UTS Testing and Variance), paragraph on 9 of 21 6K rolls"
      }
    ]
  },
  "uses": [
    {
      "application": "habitats-and-suits",
      "device": "Spacesuit softgoods layer (NASA Extravehicular Mobility Unit)",
      "example": "Vectran is one of the layers in the softgoods of NASA's Extravehicular Mobility Unit, designed and made by ILC Dover.",
      "source": "wiki-vectran",
      "where": "Uses section (secondary source)"
    },
    {
      "application": "rovers-and-surface-systems",
      "device": "Airbag fabric for Mars landings (Mars Pathfinder 1997, Mars Exploration Rovers 2004)",
      "example": "Vectran was the fabric for all of the airbag landings on Mars, beginning with Mars Pathfinder in 1997. It was used again on the 2004 Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity.",
      "source": "wiki-vectran",
      "where": "Uses section (secondary source)"
    },
    {
      "application": "rovers-and-surface-systems",
      "device": "Bridle cables for the Mars Science Laboratory rover (2011)",
      "example": "Vectran was used in the bridle cables of NASA's 2011 Mars Science Laboratory.",
      "source": "wiki-vectran",
      "where": "Uses section (secondary source)"
    },
    {
      "application": "solar-arrays",
      "device": "Tie-downs on solar arrays (static load)",
      "example": "NASA recommends Vectran HS as an upgrade on Kevlar braided cords for long-term static-loading uses such as tie-downs on solar arrays.",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2004",
      "where": "Abstract"
    },
    {
      "application": "structures",
      "device": "Inflatable habitat webbing, 6K and 12K (1-inch Mil-T-87130 architecture)",
      "example": "The 6K and 12K Vectran webbings tested in NASA's 2014 study use the same architectures as NASA's Transhab module and later inflatable designs.",
      "source": "nasa-webbing-2014",
      "where": "Introduction, paragraph on Transhab architectures"
    }
  ],
  "supply": [
    {
      "subject": "Vectran fibre",
      "producers": [],
      "critical_lists": [],
      "substitutes": [],
      "source": "wiki-vectran",
      "where": "History section: Kuraray began production in 1990, acquired the Vectran business from Celanese Advanced Materials in 2005, and as of June 2007 owned 100% of worldwide production. No share figure is printed."
    }
  ],
  "media": [],
  "documents": [
    {
      "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray web page)",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/"
    },
    {
      "title": "Technical Data Sheet, LCP Fibers, Vectran HT (MiniFIBERS, doc PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers)",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://www.minifibers.com/files/TD/PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers.pdf"
    },
    {
      "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773: Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
      "year": 2004
    },
    {
      "title": "Time-Dependent Behavior of High-Strength Kevlar and Vectran Webbing (NASA, NTRS 20140003948)",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20140003948",
      "year": 2014
    },
    {
      "title": "Abrasion of Candidate Spacesuit Fabrics by Simulated Lunar Dust (NASA, NTRS 20090040698)",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20090040698",
      "year": 2009
    }
  ],
  "gaps": [
    "No Vectran safety data sheet or GHS classification was read in this run, so the hazards list is empty and no hazard statement is made.",
    "No CAS number and no standard designation (UNS, EN, ASTM or similar) for Vectran was read; only the trade name is used in this file.",
    "The repeat unit of the polymer is not printed in any source read; the formula is given as the two monomers.",
    "Melting point is disputed: NASA's 2004 literature table and 2014 webbing report give 330 °C, and MiniFIBERS says Vectran softens at 300 °C and does not melt.",
    "Density, modulus and tenacity differ by source (1.40 vs 1.47 g/cm3; 65, 75 and 91 GPa; 2.9 and 3.2 GPa). Each value is kept with its own source and no average is given.",
    "Kuraray's basic property table prints no test standard for density, LOI, moisture content ratio or the dry/wet ratio; these values carry only the printed label.",
    "No atomic oxygen, vacuum, radiation or flight erosion test result for Vectran was found in this run, so no space erosion yield is given.",
    "No production capacity, country share, feedstock or critical-mineral listing was read for Vectran; the supply entry records only the history of the single producer.",
    "The Kuraray heat-resistance and chemical-resistance pages print their curves as images with no numeric text, so no values were taken from them.",
    "UV resistance is only rated qualitatively (moderate, similar to Kevlar 49); no UV dose test was read.",
    "The Mars airbag and bridle-cable uses and the spacesuit layer come from Wikipedia, not from a NASA page; the archived NASA rover page was not opened.",
    "The NASA 2004 and 2014 tests used Vectran HS (older braid and webbing); the HT and UM yarn data sheets are different product forms.",
    "The Kuraray tensile tests use 1670 dtex yarn at 80 T/M in an in-house method; no ISO or ASTM tensile standard was printed for them.",
    "Custom benchmark names (not in property-canon): decomposition_temperature, softening_temperature, limiting_oxygen_index, tenacity_retention_150c, total_mass_loss, cvcm, water_vapour_regain, creep_rate, stress_relaxation_rate, webbing_uts_variance, shrinkage_boiling_water."
  ],
  "story": {
    "why": "Vectran is a high-strength fibre spun from a liquid-crystal polymer, an aromatic polyester. Kuraray, which manufactures it, lists a density of 1.40 g/cm3 and a tenacity of 24.3 cN/dtex for the HT grade. The fibre has been used for Mars landing airbags and as a layer in NASA's spacesuit softgoods, and NASA has tested it as a possible upgrade on Kevlar for long-term static loads. The properties that matter most for space use are low moisture pickup and low outgassing, and the sources disagree on the heat limit.",
    "uses": [
      {
        "where": "Mars landings",
        "line": "Vectran was the fabric for the airbags that cushioned Mars landings, beginning with Mars Pathfinder in 1997. The same airbag design was used on the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity in 2004, according to Wikipedia."
      },
      {
        "where": "Rover bridle cables",
        "line": "Vectran was used in the bridle cables of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory in 2011, according to Wikipedia."
      },
      {
        "where": "Spacesuit softgoods",
        "line": "Vectran is one of the layers in the softgoods of NASA's Extravehicular Mobility Unit, the spacesuit designed and made by ILC Dover."
      },
      {
        "where": "Solar-array tie-downs",
        "line": "NASA's 2004 report recommends Vectran HS as an upgrade on Kevlar braided cords for long-term static-loading uses, such as tie-downs on solar arrays."
      },
      {
        "where": "Inflatable habitat webbing",
        "line": "NASA's 2014 study tested 6K and 12K Vectran webbings with the same architectures used in the Transhab module and later inflatable designs."
      }
    ],
    "can_do": [
      {
        "label": "Tensile strength",
        "line": "Kuraray gives 24.3 cN/dtex for the HT grade and 19.1 cN/dtex for the UM grade, both on 1670 dtex yarn at 80 T/M. MiniFIBERS gives about 3.2 GPa for HT. NASA's 2004 literature table gives 3.2 GPa, and a second table in the same report gives 2.9 GPa.",
        "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Stiffness",
        "line": "Kuraray gives an initial modulus of 530 cN/dtex for HT and 740 cN/dtex for UM. MiniFIBERS gives about 75 GPa, and NASA's 2004 tables give 91 GPa and 65 GPa. The sources disagree, so each value is kept with its own source.",
        "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Elongation at break",
        "line": "Kuraray's in-house test gives 3.6% for HT and 2.3% for UM. MiniFIBERS gives less than 4.0% for HT.",
        "benchmark": "elongation",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Heat limit",
        "line": "The sources disagree on the heat limit. MiniFIBERS says Vectran HT softens at 300 °C and does not melt. NASA's 2014 report says it melts at 330 °C, and its 2004 literature table gives 150 °C as the maximum use temperature.",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "Softens at 300 °C (MiniFIBERS); melts at 330 °C (NASA)"
      },
      {
        "label": "Decomposition",
        "line": "Kuraray's TG-DTA gives 480 °C for HT and 472 °C for UM. MiniFIBERS says it decomposes above 400 °C. NASA's table gives 550 °C for 50% weight loss by TGA, a different test.",
        "benchmark": "decomposition_temperature",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Outgassing",
        "line": "In a NASA GSFC micro-VCM test under ASTM E-595-93, a silicone-oil-coated Vectran braid lost 0.06% of its mass in total and 0.01% as condensable material. The silicone oil can be left off for flight.",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "0.06% total mass loss"
      },
      {
        "label": "Creep",
        "line": "NASA's 2004 test did not support the 'zero creep' claim made for Vectran. Creep was about four times slower than similar Kevlar 49 products.",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "About four times slower than Kevlar 49"
      }
    ],
    "compare": "Kuraray's table sets Vectran HT against two regular and high-modulus aramid columns. At 90% RH, the HT moisture content ratio is 0.1% against 5.4% for the regular aramid column, and HT tenacity is 24.3 cN/dtex against 18.9 cN/dtex. The regular aramid column decomposes at 550 °C, against 480 °C for HT, so the aramid is more heat-stable on Kuraray's TG-DTA figures. NASA's 2004 table shows Vectran creeping more slowly than Kevlar 49 and keeping less tenacity at 150 °C (55% against 81%).",
    "compare_rows": [
      {
        "label": "Density",
        "benchmark": "density",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Tensile strength",
        "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Modulus",
        "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
        "scope": "material"
      }
    ],
    "handling": [
      "Pre-load braided cord before a creep or stress relaxation test. NASA says the rate is not reliable before preloading.",
      "Keep it at or below 150 °C in service, the maximum use temperature in NASA's literature table.",
      "Test each roll for strength, because the roll-to-roll spread is wide. NASA sets creep loads as a percentage of each roll's own average."
    ],
    "good_for": [
      "Low moisture pickup. Kuraray gives 0.1% moisture content at 90% RH for the HT grade.",
      "Solar-array tie-downs and inflatable webbing for long static loads, where NASA recommended it as an upgrade on Kevlar."
    ],
    "watch_out": [
      "Creep is not zero. NASA's 2004 test found it about four times slower than Kevlar 49, but not zero.",
      "Roll-to-roll strength spread. In NASA's 2014 study only 9 of 21 6K Vectran rolls met the minimum breaking load.",
      "The heat limit is disputed. NASA gives 330 °C for melting, and MiniFIBERS says it softens at 300 °C and does not melt."
    ],
    "verdict": "Vectran is a strong, low-moisture fibre with flight heritage in Mars airbags and spacesuit softgoods. For long static loads, specify the roll strength and the creep test data, because NASA's tests show creep is not zero and strength varies from roll to roll.",
    "recipe": {
      "line": "Vectran is an aromatic polyester. Its two monomers, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid, are polycondensed into a liquid-crystal polymer. NASA's 2014 report says the polymer is then melt-spun and extruded through a die into fibre.",
      "parts": [
        {
          "name": "4-hydroxybenzoic acid",
          "role": "First monomer. Polycondensed with the second monomer to form the aromatic polyester chain.",
          "source": "wiki-vectran",
          "where": "Opening section, composition sentence"
        },
        {
          "name": "6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid",
          "role": "Second monomer. Gives the naphthalene part of the chain, which helps the polymer form a liquid-crystal phase.",
          "source": "wiki-vectran",
          "where": "Opening section, composition sentence"
        }
      ]
    },
    "risk_groups": [
      {
        "title": "For people",
        "lead": "We did not read a safety data sheet or GHS classification for Vectran in this run, so no hazard statement is made here.",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Form",
            "line": "MiniFIBERS sells Vectran HT as cut fibre in lengths from 3 mm to 26 mm. Its data sheet does not give a hazard statement."
          },
          {
            "label": "Gap",
            "line": "Check the supplier's safety data sheet for the exact product before handling."
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "If it overheats",
        "lead": "These are the temperature limits printed in the sources. None of them is a test of a fire.",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Use limit",
            "line": "NASA's literature table gives 150 °C as the maximum use temperature, and 55% tenacity is kept at 150 °C."
          },
          {
            "label": "Decomposition",
            "line": "Kuraray's TG-DTA gives 480 °C for HT and 472 °C for UM. MiniFIBERS says Vectran decomposes above 400 °C."
          },
          {
            "label": "Melting",
            "line": "NASA's 2014 report says Vectran melts at 330 °C, but MiniFIBERS says it softens at 300 °C and does not melt."
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Handling and storage",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Preload",
            "line": "NASA says braided cord should be pre-loaded before a creep or stress relaxation test, because the rate is not reliable before that."
          },
          {
            "label": "Silicone oil",
            "line": "The 2004 outgassing sample was coated with silicone oil. NASA says the coating can be declined for flight."
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  },
  "updated": "2026-11-01",
  "review": {
    "status": "draft",
    "method": "assistant",
    "checked_values": 36,
    "unreachable": 0,
    "caveats": 9,
    "note": "Written by an assistant on 2026-11-01 from pages and PDFs read in this run. Kuraray and MiniFIBERS values were read on the page or PDF text; NASA values from the PDF text of each report. Three literature values differ by source and are kept side by side."
  },
  "sources": {
    "kuraray-basic": {
      "title": "Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website)",
      "id": "Kuraray VECTRAN basic physical properties table, HT and UM columns",
      "url": "https://vectran.kuraray.com/en/properties/basic-physical-properties/",
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "Kuraray web page, cited not reproduced"
    },
    "minifibers-tds": {
      "title": "Technical Data Sheet, LCP Fibers, Vectran HT (MiniFIBERS)",
      "id": "MiniFIBERS doc PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers, DCN 250303",
      "url": "https://www.minifibers.com/files/TD/PI-TDS_Vectran-HT-Fibers.pdf",
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "supplier document, cited not reproduced; states typical values, not a specification"
    },
    "nasa-tm-2004": {
      "title": "NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center)",
      "id": "NASA/TM-2004-212773; NTRS 20050040773",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050040773",
      "year": 2004,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (NASA)"
    },
    "nasa-webbing-2014": {
      "title": "Time-Dependent Behavior of High-Strength Kevlar and Vectran Webbing (NASA, AIAA paper)",
      "id": "NTRS 20140003948",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20140003948",
      "year": 2014,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (NASA)"
    },
    "nasa-lunar-dust-2009": {
      "title": "Abrasion of Candidate Spacesuit Fabrics by Simulated Lunar Dust (NASA technical memorandum)",
      "id": "NTRS 20090040698",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20090040698",
      "year": 2009,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (NASA)"
    },
    "wiki-vectran": {
      "title": "Vectran (Wikipedia)",
      "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vectran",
      "kind": "web",
      "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikipedia); used for composition and history only"
    }
  },
  "license": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "url": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/vectran/"
}