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What is the difference between a braided Kevlar* jacket and one with braided Fiberglass?
Fibrous braids are used to reinforce and strengthen both conductor insulation systems and cable constructions. Typically, the braid is treated with a finish that enhances its resistance to abrasion and the intrusion of moisture. This finish is often colored to provide circuit identification or to improve the appearance of the cable.
There are two very common braid materials offered; fiberglass and K-fiber (Kevlar). Fiberglass offers higher temperature stability, beginning to soften at temperatures of 700 C and melting at about 1400 C. K-fiber begins to decompose at about 600 C. Fiberglass may be applied in uniform thickness from 0.002 inches to 0.035 inches. K-fiber is somewhat less uniform in thickness with walls of 0.018 inches to 0.040 inches being common. Fiberglass is very easily colored, with a very bright, vibrant appearance of most shades. White (natural) is true white. With K-fiber, bright white is unavailable, with other colors, particularly lighter ones, having a matte or dull appearance. Where K-fiber really shines is in its resistance to abrasion and cut-through, where it is several times more resilient to abuse. For this reason, it is often the first choice for jacketing material over cable assemblies.
NOTE: * Kevlar is a registered trademark of E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company.
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