Metallized Kevlar for Undersea Electromechanical Cables

As a result of the mismatch of the elongation characteristics of conductors and kevlar strength-members in undersea electromechanical cables, the Naval Air Development Center initiated an investigation of copper-coated kevlar. The metallized kevlar was developed to be used as both conductor and strength-member in e-m cables. Both kevlar 29 and kevlar 49 were evaluated. Three cleaning methods, two electroless coatings, and three thicknesses of electrodeposited copper were applied to each type of kevlar, resulting in twenty variations of material. Tensile tests and dc resistance measurements were made to determine the best process of metallization and best candidate copper-coated kevlar yarn for undersea cables. The effort resulted in strong, conductive kevlar and indicated direction for further development leading to the fabrication of metallized kevlar cables.