Vectran (LCP fibre HT and UM) Vectran
Aromatic polyester (thermotropic liquid-crystal polymer) made from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid
Vectran is a liquid-crystal-polymer fibre, an aromatic polyester made by Kuraray.
Evidence level
2 of 5
Lab-measured
- 0Predicted only. No one has made it, or no measurement exists.
- 1Calculated. Only calculated or predicted values from sources.
- 2Lab-measured. Measured properties with their conditions stated.
- 3Space-relevant tests. Measured in conditions relevant to space, such as vacuum or atomic oxygen.
- 4Ground-qualified. Qualified for an application on the ground.
- 5Flown or field-proven. Flight or field results exist.
Tensile strength
24.3 cN/dtex
Stiffness
530 cN/dtex
Elongation at break
3.6 %
Heat limit
Softens at 300 °C (MiniFIBERS); melts at 330 °C (NASA)
Decomposition
480 °C
Recipe, share of the weight
- not stated4-hydroxybenzoic acid
- not stated6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid
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.
Risk at a glance
- People No data. No hazard data recorded
- If it fails High. Strength below the minimum breaking load in woven webbing
- Corrosion Moderate. UV degradation is similar to Kevlar, per NASA's 2004 comparison.
Quick facts: Vectran
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.4 to 1.47 g/cm³ | 4 sourced values across conditions |
| Tensile strength | 2,900 to 3,200 MPa | 5 sourced values across conditions |
| Young's modulus | 65 to 91 GPa | 5 sourced values across conditions |
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | -5.78 to -4.8 ppm/K | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Melting point | 330 °C | 1 sourced value |
| Maximum service temperature | 150 °C | 1 sourced value |
What is the density of Vectran?
Vectran has a density of 1.4 to 1.47 g/cm³. The range covers 4 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Vectran?
Vectran has a coefficient of thermal expansion of -5.78 to -4.8 ppm/K. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the melting point of Vectran?
Vectran has a melting point of 330 °C. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the tensile strength of Vectran?
Vectran has a tensile strength of 2,900 to 3,200 MPa. The range covers 5 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the Young's modulus of Vectran?
Vectran has a Young's modulus of 65 to 91 GPa. The range covers 5 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is Vectran used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Spacesuit softgoods layer (NASA Extravehicular Mobility Unit); Airbag fabric for Mars landings (Mars Pathfinder 1997, Mars Exploration Rovers 2004); Bridle cables for the Mars Science Laboratory rover (2011).
Why it exists
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.
Where it's used
Mars landings
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.
Rover bridle cables
Vectran was used in the bridle cables of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory in 2011, according to Wikipedia.
Spacesuit softgoods
Vectran is one of the layers in the softgoods of NASA's Extravehicular Mobility Unit, the spacesuit designed and made by ILC Dover.
Solar-array tie-downs
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.
Inflatable habitat webbing
NASA's 2014 study tested 6K and 12K Vectran webbings with the same architectures used in the Transhab module and later inflatable designs.
Recipe
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
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.
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 4-hydroxybenzoic acid | not stated | First monomer. Polycondensed with the second monomer to form the aromatic polyester chain. |
| 6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid | not stated | Second monomer. Gives the naphthalene part of the chain, which helps the polymer form a liquid-crystal phase. |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Tensile strength
24.3 cN/dtex
measured
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.
Stiffness
530 cN/dtex
measured
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.
Elongation at break
3.6 %
measured
Kuraray's in-house test gives 3.6% for HT and 2.3% for UM. MiniFIBERS gives less than 4.0% for HT.
Heat limit
Softens at 300 °C (MiniFIBERS); melts at 330 °C (NASA)
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.
Decomposition
480 °C
measured
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.
Outgassing
0.06% total mass loss
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.
Creep
About four times slower than Kevlar 49
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.
How it compares
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%).
The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Compare every grade in the family.
| Measurement | Vectran |
|---|---|
| Thermal behavior and safety | |
| Melting point, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | 330 °C21 |
| Lifetime and stability | |
| Tenacity retained at 150 °C, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | 55 %24 |
| Physical and electrical | |
| Density, VECTRAN HT | 1.4 g/cm³1 |
| Density, VECTRAN UM | 1.4 g/cm³2 |
| Density, Vectran HT (data sheet range) | 1.4 to 1.41 g/cm³3 |
| Density, Vectran (NASA literature table) | 1.47 g/cm³4 |
| Temperature behavior | |
| Decomposition temperature, VECTRAN HT | 480 °C17 |
| Decomposition temperature, VECTRAN UM | 472 °C18 |
| Decomposition, Vectran HT (data sheet) | > 400 °C19 |
| Weight loss 50% by TGA, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | 550 °C20 |
| Softening temperature, Vectran HT (data sheet) | 300 °C22 |
| Other measurements | |
| Tensile strength, VECTRAN HT | 24.3 cN/dtex5 |
| Tensile strength, VECTRAN UM | 19.1 cN/dtex6 |
| Tenacity, Vectran HT (data sheet) | 3.2 GPa7 |
| Tensile strength, Vectran (NASA literature table 1) | 3.2 GPa8 |
| Tenacity, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | 2.9 GPa9 |
| Breaking elongation, VECTRAN HT | 3.6 %10 |
| Breaking elongation, VECTRAN UM | 2.3 %11 |
| Elongation, Vectran HT (data sheet)Printed as <4.0% on the MiniFIBERS property list | < 4 % |
| Initial modulus, VECTRAN HT | 530 cN/dtex12 |
| Initial modulus, VECTRAN UM | 740 cN/dtex13 |
| Modulus, Vectran HT (data sheet) | 75 GPa14 |
| Modulus, Vectran (NASA literature table 1) | 91 GPa15 |
| Modulus, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | 65 GPa16 |
| Maximum use temperature, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | 150 °C23 |
| Mean CTE, Vectran (20 to 145 °C, Celanese value quoted by NASA) | -4.8 µm/m-°C25 |
| Mean CTE, Vectran (measured by NASA GSFC, 125 to 0 °C) | -5.78 µm/m-°C26 |
| Moisture content ratio, VECTRAN HT | 0.1 %27 |
| Limiting oxygen index, VECTRAN HT | 29 %28 |
| Total mass lost in micro-VCM test | 0.06 %29 |
| Collected volatile condensable material (CVCM) | 0.01 %30 |
| Water vapour regain at 50% RH | 0.01 %31 |
| Creep, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | 3×10^-4 %/log(t)32 |
| Stress relaxation, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | 0.033 %/log(t)33 |
| Average variance of UTS about the roll mean, 12K Vectran webbing | 9.4 %34 |
| Shrinkage in boiling water, Vectran HT (data sheet)Printed as <0.2% on the MiniFIBERS property list | < 0.2 %35 |
Why choose it, and why not
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 for
- 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.
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.
Technical details
For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Density, VECTRAN HT | Printed as 1.40 g/cm3 in Kuraray's basic physical properties table; no test standard printed | grade VECTRAN HTtest not stated on the page | — |
| 2 | Density, VECTRAN UM | Printed as 1.40 g/cm3 in Kuraray's basic physical properties table; no test standard printed | grade VECTRAN UMtest not stated on the page | — |
| 3 | Density, Vectran HT (data sheet range) | Printed as 1.40-1.41 g/cm3 in the MiniFIBERS property list; no test standard printed | grade Vectran HTbasis range printed on the data sheet | — |
| 4 | Density, Vectran (NASA literature table) | Literature value compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table does not give a test method | basis literature value in NASA's table of high-strength fibres, Vectran rowproduct as named Vectran HS | Disagrees with the 1.40 g/cm3 that Kuraray prints for HT and UM; both are kept with their sources. |
| 5 | Tensile strength, VECTRAN HT | Kuraray in-house tensile method, marked by footnote ** on the page; the page prints no ISO or ASTM standard | grade VECTRAN HTyarn 1670 dtex yarn, 80 T/Mtest Kuraray in-house tensile method | Same Kuraray table prints 18.9 cN/dtex for the regular aramid comparison column, under the same test footnote. |
| 6 | Tensile strength, VECTRAN UM | Kuraray in-house tensile method, marked by footnote ** on the page; the page prints no ISO or ASTM standard | grade VECTRAN UMyarn 1670 dtex yarn, 80 T/Mtest Kuraray in-house tensile method | — |
| 7 | Tenacity, Vectran HT (data sheet) | Printed as ~3.2 GPa on the MiniFIBERS property list; the same line also prints ~25.9 g/den | grade Vectran HTapproximation printed with a tilde, so approximate | — |
| 8 | Tensile strength, Vectran (NASA literature table 1) | Literature value compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table does not give a test method | basis literature value in NASA's table of high-strength fibres, Vectran rowproduct as named Vectran HS | — |
| 9 | Tenacity, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table gives no test method | basis literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 tenacity rowalso printed 23 gpd | Lower than the 3.2 GPa in NASA's Table 1 and in the MiniFIBERS sheet; both are kept. |
| 10 | Breaking elongation, VECTRAN HT | Kuraray in-house tensile method, marked by footnote ** on the page | grade VECTRAN HTyarn 1670 dtex yarn, 80 T/Mtest Kuraray in-house tensile method | — |
| 11 | Breaking elongation, VECTRAN UM | Kuraray in-house tensile method, marked by footnote ** on the page | grade VECTRAN UMyarn 1670 dtex yarn, 80 T/Mtest Kuraray in-house tensile method | — |
| 12 | Initial modulus, VECTRAN HT | Kuraray in-house tensile method, marked by footnote ** on the page | grade VECTRAN HTyarn 1670 dtex yarn, 80 T/Mtest Kuraray in-house tensile method | — |
| 13 | Initial modulus, VECTRAN UM | Kuraray in-house tensile method, marked by footnote ** on the page | grade VECTRAN UMyarn 1670 dtex yarn, 80 T/Mtest Kuraray in-house tensile method | — |
| 14 | Modulus, Vectran HT (data sheet) | Printed as ~75 GPa on the MiniFIBERS property list | grade Vectran HTapproximation printed with a tilde, so approximate | — |
| 15 | Modulus, Vectran (NASA literature table 1) | Literature value compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table does not give a test method | basis literature value in NASA's table of high-strength fibres, Vectran rowproduct as named Vectran HS | — |
| 16 | Modulus, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table gives no test method | basis literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 modulus rowalso printed 525 gpd | Lower than the 75 GPa (MiniFIBERS) and 91 GPa (NASA Table 1) values; all three are kept. |
| 17 | Decomposition temperature, VECTRAN HT | Printed as 480 ℃ with the note 'measured by TG-DTA'; the page's same table prints the aramid comparison column at 550 ℃ | grade VECTRAN HTmethod as printed measured by TG-DTA | — |
| 18 | Decomposition temperature, VECTRAN UM | Printed as 472 ℃ with the note 'measured by TG-DTA' | grade VECTRAN UMmethod as printed measured by TG-DTA | — |
| 19 | Decomposition, Vectran HT (data sheet) | Printed as decomposes at >400 °C (752 °F) on the MiniFIBERS property list | grade Vectran HT | — |
| 20 | Weight loss 50% by TGA, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table gives no heating rate | basis literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 TGA rowtest TGA, 50% weight loss, as printed | Different test from the Kuraray TG-DTA value (480 °C); the two are not comparable and both are kept. |
| 21 | Melting point, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the 2014 NASA webbing report also states it melts at 330°C | basis literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 melting point row | The MiniFIBERS sheet says Vectran softens at 300 °C and does not melt, so the sources disagree on whether it melts. |
| 22 | Softening temperature, Vectran HT (data sheet) | Printed as softens at 300 °C / 572 °F on the MiniFIBERS property list; it is not a Vicat or HDT test | grade Vectran HTnote as printed softens; does not melt | Custom name: softening temperature is not in the canonical property list; it is not a Vicat or heat deflection result. |
| 23 | Maximum use temperature, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table gives no method for the limit | basis literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 maximum use temperature row | — |
| 24 | Tenacity retained at 150 °C, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the table gives no exposure time | basis literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 '% Tenacity at 150 ºC' rowexposure 150 °C, as printed | Kevlar 49 keeps 81% on the same row. Custom name: tenacity retention at a given temperature is not in the canonical property list. |
| 25 | Mean CTE, Vectran (20 to 145 °C, Celanese value quoted by NASA) | Quoted in NASA/TM-2004-212773 text and Table 2 (CTE 20-145 ºC row, Vectran column) | range 20 to 145 °Csource says reported by Celanese, the manufacturerunit in source m/m - ºC x 10^6 in Table 2 | — |
| 26 | Mean CTE, Vectran (measured by NASA GSFC, 125 to 0 °C) | Measured by NASA GSFC on Vectran fibre specimens in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the report says the CTE is not linear | range 125 °C to 0 °Cheating range -150 °C to 150 °C | — |
| 27 | Moisture content ratio, VECTRAN HT | 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 | grade VECTRAN HThumidity 90% RH | — |
| 28 | Limiting oxygen index, VECTRAN HT | Printed as LOI (%) in Kuraray's table; no test standard printed. The same table prints 32% for UM | grade VECTRAN HTtest not stated on the page | Custom name: LOI is not in the canonical property list. |
| 29 | Total mass lost in micro-VCM test | Measured by NASA GSFC (D. Dove and D. Thomas), 1 June 2004, per ASTM E-595-93 micro-VCM | specimen Vectran HS Type 97, 1500 denier, 12 strand braid, tested as receivedcoating silicone oil (IR spectroscopy showed it)standard ASTM E-595-93runs 3 | Custom name: total mass loss is not in the canonical property list. The silicone-oil coating can be declined for flight. |
| 30 | Collected volatile condensable material (CVCM) | Measured by NASA GSFC, 1 June 2004, per ASTM E-595-93 micro-VCM | specimen Vectran HS Type 97, 1500 denier, 12 strand braid, tested as receivedstandard ASTM E-595-93runs 3 | Custom name: CVCM is not in the canonical property list. |
| 31 | Water vapour regain at 50% RH | Measured by NASA GSFC, 1 June 2004, per ASTM E-595-93 micro-VCM (WVR column) | specimen Vectran HS Type 97, 1500 denier, 12 strand braidhumidity 50% RH | Custom name: water vapour regain is not in the canonical property list. |
| 32 | Creep, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773; the 2004 NASA test did not support the 'zero creep' claim | basis literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 creep rowkevlar 49 0.0015 %/Log(t) on the same row | 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. |
| 33 | Stress relaxation, Vectran (NASA literature table 2) | Literature summary compiled in NASA/TM-2004-212773 | basis literature summary for Vectran, Table 2 stress relaxation rowkevlar 49 0.015 %/Log(t) on the same row | Custom name: stress relaxation rate is not in the canonical property list. Vectran relaxes faster than Kevlar 49 on this row. |
| 34 | Average variance of UTS about the roll mean, 12K Vectran webbing | Average variance about each roll's mean UTS, from NASA roll test data (87 rolls tested across four webbing types) | webbing 12K Vectran webbing, Mil-T-87130 architecture, light R resin treatmentcomparison 12K Kevlar 3.7 % on the same page | Custom name: webbing UTS variance is not in the canonical property list. |
| 35 | Shrinkage in boiling water, Vectran HT (data sheet) | — | grade Vectran HT | Custom name: boiling-water shrinkage is not in the canonical property list. |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation exposure (high levels of radiation) | low | Virtually unaffected by high radiation, per MiniFIBERS.1 |
| Sunlight (ultraviolet exposure) | moderate | UV degradation is similar to Kevlar, per NASA's 2004 comparison.2 |
| Heat at 150 °C | moderate | Keeps 55% of tenacity at 150 °C, against 81% for Kevlar 49.3 |
| Humid air (90% RH) | none | Moisture content ratio is 0.1% at 90% RH for HT, against 5.4% for the regular aramid column.4 |
| Bleach, organic solvents, strong acids and bases | low | Excellent bleach resistance; resists solvents, acids above 90% and bases below 30%.5 |
| Simulated lunar soil abrasion (8000 cycles) | moderate | Three candidate fabrics kept dust out; Vectran did not, and its filaments broke.6 |
| Constant load at ambient temperature (creep) | moderate | Creep is not zero, but about four times slower than Kevlar 49.7 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Radiation exposure (high levels of radiation) | 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. | basis qualitative statement on a data sheet; no dose or test standard printed |
| 2 | Sunlight (ultraviolet exposure) | 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. | basis qualitative comparison; exposure not stated |
| 3 | Heat at 150 °C | 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. | temperature 150 °Cexposure not stated |
| 4 | Humid air (90% RH) | 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. | humidity 90% RH (Kuraray); 50% RH (NASA) |
| 5 | Bleach, organic solvents, strong acids and bases | 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. | basis qualitative statement on a data sheet; no test figures printed |
| 6 | Simulated lunar soil abrasion (8000 cycles) | 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. | abrasion 8000 cycles of abrasion with activated lunar simulant (JSC-1 type)basis relative comparison in the report |
| 7 | Constant load at ambient temperature (creep) | 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. | basis NASA GSFC creep tests on braided cord, ambient laboratory conditions with some temperature fluctuation |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
We did not read a safety data sheet or GHS classification for Vectran in this run, so no hazard statement is made here.
- Form
- MiniFIBERS sells Vectran HT as cut fibre in lengths from 3 mm to 26 mm. Its data sheet does not give a hazard statement.
- Gap
- Check the supplier's safety data sheet for the exact product before handling.
If it overheats
These are the temperature limits printed in the sources. None of them is a test of a fire.
- Use limit
- NASA's literature table gives 150 °C as the maximum use temperature, and 55% tenacity is kept at 150 °C.
- Decomposition
- Kuraray's TG-DTA gives 480 °C for HT and 472 °C for UM. MiniFIBERS says Vectran decomposes above 400 °C.
- Melting
- NASA's 2014 report says Vectran melts at 330 °C, but MiniFIBERS says it softens at 300 °C and does not melt.
Handling and storage
- Preload
- NASA says braided cord should be pre-loaded before a creep or stress relaxation test, because the rate is not reliable before that.
- Silicone oil
- The 2004 outgassing sample was coated with silicone oil. NASA says the coating can be declined for flight.
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| Strength below the minimum breaking load in woven webbinghigh severity | Manufacturing runs of 6K and 12K Vectran webbing with the same architecture as the Kevlar webbingOnly 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. |
| Creep life spread between rollsmoderate severity | Sustained static load tests, where creep specimens are loaded at a percentage of each roll's average UTSNASA 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. |
| Filament breakage under lunar dust abrasionmoderate severity | Abrasion by activated simulated lunar soil for 8000 cycles on a woven Vectran fabricVectran let dust reach the layers beneath, and its filaments broke, more than Orthofabric; the report gives no numeric wear rate. |
Side effects on surrounding parts
| Affects | Effect |
|---|---|
| Outgassing result for the tested cord, not the bare fibre | The 2004 NASA outgassing sample was coated with silicone oil. IR spectroscopy showed the coating, which NASA says can be declined for space flight. |
Handling and storage
- 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.
- Keep service temperature at or below 150 °C, the maximum use temperature in NASA's literature table.
Mitigations
- 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.
- NASA JSC asked for extra fibres in the Vectran webbing architecture on later runs so that the 6K webbing met the minimum breaking load.
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Vectran fibre
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
Full record
The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.
Show the full YAML
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.
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
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
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
- benchmark: density
label: Density, VECTRAN UM
value: 1.4
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
- 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'
- benchmark: density
label: Density, Vectran (NASA literature table)
value: 1.47
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
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, VECTRAN HT
note: "Same Kuraray table prints 18.9 cN/dtex for the regular aramid comparison column, under the same test footnote."
value: 24.3
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
source: kuraray-basic
where: Table 'Basic physical properties of VECTRAN', row Tensile strength (cN/dtex), HT column, footnote **
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, VECTRAN UM
value: 19.1
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 **
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tenacity, Vectran HT (data sheet)
value: 3.2
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'
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, Vectran (NASA literature table 1)
value: 3.2
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
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tenacity, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)
value: 2.9
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
- benchmark: elongation
label: Breaking elongation, VECTRAN HT
value: 3.6
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 **
- benchmark: elongation
label: Breaking elongation, VECTRAN UM
value: 2.3
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 **
- 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'
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Initial modulus, VECTRAN HT
value: 530
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 **
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Initial modulus, VECTRAN UM
value: 740
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 **
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Modulus, Vectran HT (data sheet)
value: 75
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'
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Modulus, Vectran (NASA literature table 1)
value: 91
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
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Modulus, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)
value: 65
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
- benchmark: decomposition_temperature
label: Decomposition temperature, VECTRAN HT
value: 480
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 *
- benchmark: decomposition_temperature
label: Decomposition temperature, VECTRAN UM
value: 472
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 *
- 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'
- benchmark: decomposition_temperature
label: Weight loss 50% by TGA, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)
value: 550
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
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Melting point, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)
value: 330
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
- benchmark: softening_temperature
label: Softening temperature, Vectran HT (data sheet)
value: 300
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'
- benchmark: max_service_temp
label: Maximum use temperature, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)
value: 150
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
- benchmark: tenacity_retention_150c
label: Tenacity retained at 150 °C, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)
value: 55
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
- benchmark: cte
label: Mean CTE, Vectran (20 to 145 °C, Celanese value quoted by NASA)
value: -4.8
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
- benchmark: cte
label: Mean CTE, Vectran (measured by NASA GSFC, 125 to 0 °C)
value: -5.78
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
- benchmark: moisture_absorption
label: Moisture content ratio, VECTRAN HT
value: 0.1
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
- benchmark: limiting_oxygen_index
label: Limiting oxygen index, VECTRAN HT
value: 29
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
- benchmark: total_mass_loss
label: Total mass lost in micro-VCM test
value: 0.06
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
- benchmark: cvcm
label: Collected volatile condensable material (CVCM)
value: 0.01
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
- benchmark: water_vapour_regain
label: Water vapour regain at 50% RH
value: 0.01
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
- benchmark: creep_rate
label: Creep, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)
value: 0.0003
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
- benchmark: stress_relaxation_rate
label: Stress relaxation, Vectran (NASA literature table 2)
value: 0.033
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
- benchmark: webbing_uts_variance
label: Average variance of UTS about the roll mean, 12K Vectran webbing
value: 9.4
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
- 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'
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.'
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.'
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
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.
story:
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.
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
benchmark: ultimate_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.
- label: Stiffness
benchmark: elastic_modulus
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.
- label: Elongation at break
benchmark: elongation
line: Kuraray's in-house test gives 3.6% for HT and 2.3% for UM. MiniFIBERS gives less than 4.0% for HT.
- label: Heat limit
value: Softens at 300 °C (MiniFIBERS); melts at 330 °C (NASA)
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.
- label: Decomposition
benchmark: decomposition_temperature
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.
- label: Outgassing
value: 0.06% total mass loss
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.
- label: Creep
value: About four times slower than Kevlar 49
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.
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
- label: Tensile strength
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
- label: Modulus
benchmark: elastic_modulus
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.
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.
| # | Source | Type | Year | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic physical properties of VECTRAN (Kuraray, VECTRAN website) | datasheet | 13 values | ||
| Technical Data Sheet, LCP Fibers, Vectran HT (MiniFIBERS) | datasheet | 9 values | ||
| NASA/TM-2004-212773, Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties (Goddard Space Flight Center) | report | 2004 | 23 values | |
| Time-Dependent Behavior of High-Strength Kevlar and Vectran Webbing (NASA, AIAA paper) | report | 2014 | 6 values | |
| Abrasion of Candidate Spacesuit Fabrics by Simulated Lunar Dust (NASA technical memorandum) | report | 2009 | 2 values | |
| Vectran (Wikipedia) | web | 5 values |