20 Oct 2008
HELMETS FEATURING DYNEEMA® HB26 ARE CHOSEN BY SOUTH KOREAN ARMY AS LIGHTEST-WEIGHT SOLUTION FOR FRAGMENT PROTECTION
DSM Dyneema is Expanding Capacity to Support Increasing Demand for Life Protection Using Dyneema® Unidirectional Composites
URMOND (NL), 20 October 2008 - To obtain the optimum combination of fragment-stopping performance and light weight, the Republic of Korea has selected protective helmets featuring Dyneema® HB26 material for its army. The 24,000 helmets, manufactured by Samyang Comtech in Seoul, offer up to 20 percent weight savings compared to conventional aramid helmets, together with a higher ballistics performance when using the v50 test. This significant program is a volume milestone for Dyneema® HB26 in a helmet application, and demonstrates the acceptance of the material based on its excellent fitness for use in helmets. To support growing demand for its ballistics protection materials, as evidenced by the South Korean Army’s large order, DSM Dyneema is on plan to significantly boost capacity for Dyneema® UD (unidirectional) composites used in life protection. Additional capacity in both yarn and UD (unidirectional) material has been brought on stream at its Greenville, North Carolina, facility. DSM Dyneema is on target to double global capacity for UD in 2009, as part of a USD $450 million investment announced earlier.
Dyneema® HB26 is a unique, lightweight composite providing superior ballistic protection for both personnel and vehicles. With significant weight reduction vs. aramid, Dyneema® HB26 increases helmet comfort and wearability, and allows the addition of ancillary equipment such as a visor or communications gear without overburdening troops. The composite also provides a combination of excellent mechanical rigidity and toughness, with resistance to temperature extremes and moisture, and positive buoyancy in water for marine protection.
“With additional production capacity for our industry-leading Dyneema® HB26 composite coming on line, we will be even better equipped to support development and manufacturing of the best military and law enforcement protection,” said Josse Kunst, Vice President Life Protection APAC at DSM Dyneema. “We look forward to working with partners around the world to leverage the advantages of Dyneema® HB26 for successful life protection applications.”
Notes for editors
About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.
Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com and www.dyneemamatters.com.
DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM’s products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual sales of almost EUR 8.8 billion and employs some 23,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information on DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.
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