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.