ABSTRACT

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Development of aromatic polyamides had a very unique beginning. Its origin in an industrial

corporation (DuPont) led to a combination of fundamental science, engineering, and ap-

plications research from the very early stages of the development. In 1948, with the

commercialization of nylon fiber and the near-development of a polyester fiber, the manage-

ment of the DuPont Technical Division launched very broad, long-range research programs

with goals, among others, of developing very high-strength fibers and high-temperature-

resistant fibers.