civil & structural engineering - Institution of Engineers Singapore

NEWS
Dyneema fibre
Made from UHMWPE, Dyneema fi bre is said to offer maximum
strength combined with minimum weight. It is said to be up to
15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than
aramid fi bres, both on a weight for weight basis. Dyneema fi bre
fl oats on water, is durable, and is resistant to moisture, UV light
and chemicals.
As a result of these properties, Dyneema is fast becoming a
more effective alternative to traditional materials like steel wire
and synthetic rope in a wide range of industries and applications.
It is used to secure very large commercial vessels; safeguard the
lives of police, soldiers, and emergency workers; reduce airline
fuel consumption with stronger light-weight containers; extend
the lifting and towing capabilities of ocean rescue and salvage
vessels; improve fi sh farm yields with stronger netting; produce
gloves to protect the hands of workers in the manufacturing
sector; and develop new medical devices for surgeons. In the
Asia Pacifi c region, Dyneema has the following applications:
• Life and vehicle protection: Incorporated into personnel
protection equipment such as bullet resistant vests,
helmets, and inserts, Dyneema increases ballistic
performance without increasing weight, making them
comfortable and safe for wearing in extreme conditions
and over long periods of time. Dyneema panels
in military vehicles provide added protection at low
additional weight.
• Commercial marine: Mooring and tugging ropes made with
Dyneema help reduce mooring times, improve safety and
vessel effi ciency, and cut physical workload. Commercial
fi shing nets and aquaculture cages made with Dyneema are
tough and resistant to wear and tear, delivering signifi cant
economic and handling benefi ts to fi sh farmers.
• Industrial: Ropes and lifting slings made with Dyneema are
stronger and lighter than those made with traditional steel
wire or synthetic materials. This contributes to greater safety,
effi ciency, precision and speed for any heavy lifting operations
on land or at sea.
• Protective textiles: Lightweight safety gloves and garments
containing Dyneema offer higher levels of cut-protection,
fl exibility and comfort. Possessing high abrasion resistance,
gloves and garments can be washed and re-used several times.
• Sports: Dyneema gives yachting lines, sail cloth and rigging the
same strength but with up to half the weight of traditional
materials. Fishing lines are easier to cast and retain their
original shape. Kite lines made with Dyneema have a higher
stiffness combined with low elongation, make steering easier.
DSM Dyneema Asia Pacific Technical Center
The DSM Dyneema Asia Pacifi c Technical Center incorporates
the following:
• Two ballistics ranges capable of performing a wide range of
small to large calibre ballistics testing for both personnel and
vehicle protection applications, in accordance with various
international standards.
• A ‘Stab Tower’ capable of testing concepts and applications for
protection against knife or spike threats, in accordance with
international standards.
• An environmental chamber using low and high temperatures
for conditioning articles before testing.
• Two large hydraulic press machines capable of producing fl at
and/or curved articles using Dyneema, for the development
of current and new applications.
The Asia Pacifi c Technical Center is also equipped with
technology which allows customers to connect with DSM
Dyneema fi bre is used in mooring ropes and lifting slings, replacing traditional
materials. It ensures greater operational effi ciency and enhances safety.
Dyneema uni-directional product grades and tape technology are used in both
personnel and vehicle protection applications.
DSM Dyneema’s Diamond Technology incorporated in safety gloves provides
greater cut-resistance with no compromise in comfort or durability.
IES Journal Part A: Civil & Structural Engineering Vol 6 is out now!
For more information or to subscribe, call 6469 5000.
February 2013 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER
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