Aramid fibers are a class of heat-resistant and strong
synthetic fibers. They are used in aerospace and military applications, for ballistic-rated
body armor fabric and ballistic composites, in bicycle tires, and as an
asbestos substitute. The name is a
portmanteau of "
aromatic polyamide". They are fibers in which the chain molecules are highly oriented along the fiber axis, so the strength of the
chemical bond can be exploited.