Question

Polyaramid is a term applied to polyamides containing aromatic groups. These polymers were originally made for use as tire cords but have since found many other uses.

1. Kevlar is used in bulletproof vests and many high strength composites. The structure of Kevlar is

Which monomers are used to make Kevlar?

b. Nomex is a polyamide used in fire-resistant clothing. It is a copolymer of:

Draw the structure of nomex polymers How do the structures of Kevlar and Nomex differ?

Short answer

1. The monomers used to make kevlar are $1,4$-benzene-dicarboxylic acid and $1,4$-diaminobenzene
2. Kevlar is a para-aramid while Nomex is a meta-aramid

Step-by-step solution

To find Which monomers are used to make Kevlar

First, to be able to identify the monomers that make up Kevlar, we must observe its overall structure and pinpoint which monomers are used in its structure.

Observe the C=O bonds and N-H bonds that are present in kevlar; these are from the monomers used which are $1,4$-benzene-dicarboxylic acid and $1,4$-diaminobenzene.

Hence The monomers used to make kevlar are $1,4$-benzene-dicarboxylic acid and $1,4$-diaminobenzene

Monomers are used to make Kevlar

The difference between Kevlar and Nomex lies in their structure, Kevlar is a para-aramid while Nomex is a meta aramid

Hence Kevlar is a para-aramid while Nomex is a meta-aramid