Vectran EP-UD
Matrix
EP-UD = vectran/epoxy unidirectional laminate
Use as a tough, impact- and abrasion-resistant laminate layer (often hybridised with carbon) where low compressive strength can be tolerated.
Values for the EP-UD condition
Other Vectran grades and fills
Vectran is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at Vectran.
Compare all 5 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EP-UDThis page Vectran/epoxy unidirectional laminate | Use as a tough, impact- and abrasion-resistant laminate layer (often hybridised with carbon) where low compressive strength can be tolerated. | — | 1,400 | 2.6 | — |
As-spun standard-tenacity yarn | Pick when the yarn must be thermally bonded/fused or when moderate tenacity with a lower melting point is acceptable (hoses, coated fabrics, hybrid weaves). | — | 1,450 | 3.3 | — |
HT Black | Choose for outdoor ropes, tethers and sailcloth where sunlight exposure is unavoidable and a jacket is impractical. | — | 3,050 | 3.7 | — |
Ultra-high-modulus yarn | Use where stiffness and dimensional stability dominate — antenna guys, low-stretch tethers, dimensionally critical composites. | — | 3,100 | 2.2 | — |
HTDefault High-tenacity heat-treated multifilament yarn | Default choice for ropes, slings, tethers, inflatables and composite reinforcement where maximum strength and minimum creep matter. | — | 3,200 | 3.8 | — |
What is Vectran EP-UD?
Vectran EP-UD is Vectran in the EP-UD condition — use as a tough, impact- and abrasion-resistant laminate layer (often hybridised with carbon) where low compressive strength can be tolerated. Vectran EP-UD has a tensile strength of 1,400 MPa (203 ksi), stronger than 75% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 2.6% and the elastic modulus is 46 GPa (6.67 Msi). Vectran EP-UD has a density of 1.37 g/cm³ (0.0495 lb/in³), lighter than 67% of composite grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 110°C (230 °F). HT is the default condition FabDigit quotes; EP-UD is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 92/100, better than 94% of composite grades
- Low moisture uptake — 0.05%, better than 94% of composite grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 110°C (230 °F), worse than 87% of composite grades
- Difficult to machine — 20/100, worse than 77% of composite grades
Vectran EP-UD properties
Typical room-temperature values for Vectran EP-UD; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Vectran reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among composite grades.
Physical5
Vectran EP-UD has a density of 1.37 g/cm³ (0.0495 lb/in³), lighter than 67% of composite grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 110°C (230 °F).
Mechanical5
Vectran EP-UD has a tensile strength of 1,400 MPa (203 ksi), stronger than 75% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 2.6% and the elastic modulus is 46 GPa (6.67 Msi).
Thermal8
Vectran EP-UD is rated for continuous service to 110°C (230 °F). It conducts heat at 0.3 W/m·K (0.173 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 63% of composite grades. Thermal expansion is -4.8 µm/m·K (-2.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical5
Vectran EP-UD is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 30 kV/mm (762 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹² Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (92/100), better than 94% of composite grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of Vectran EP-UD takes about 210 MJ of energy and emits 11 kg of CO₂ — less than 52% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability1
Vectran EP-UD's machinability is poor (20/100, worse than 77% of composite grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with Vectran EP-UD
Is Vectran easy to machine?
Fabrics and laminates fuzz badly with conventional blades — use ultrasonic knives, hot knives (Tm 330 °C) or water-jet, and diamond-coated/serrated tooling for trimming.
Can Vectran be welded?
HT yarn cannot be fusion-joined below its 330 °C melt without strength loss; NT grade can be heat-set/thermally bonded, otherwise use splices, whipping or adhesive terminations.
Can Vectran be formed, bent or molded?
Processed as yarn — braided, woven or filament-wound; in composites use low-temperature-cure epoxy or PU (<130 °C) and avoid sharp bends that trigger compressive kink bands.
What surface finishes work on Vectran?
Surface is smooth and low-energy; use plasma/corona or a chemical primer before coating or resin impregnation, and add a UV-opaque jacket or pigment for outdoor service.
Vectran chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) unitsmol% of aromatic copolyester backbone | 70 – 80 | 73 |
| 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (HNA) unitsmol% | 20 – 30 | 27 |
| spin finish / sizingsurface, wt% on yarn | 0.2 – 1.5 | 0.5 |
Vectran EP-UD — frequently asked
What is Vectran EP-UD used for?
Vectran EP-UD is typically used for inflatable space structures, high-performance ropes and sails, specialty composites and cut-resistant fabrics. In short: lowest creep organic fiber; melts at 330 C; excellent abrasion resistance.
What is the tensile strength of Vectran EP-UD?
Vectran EP-UD has a typical tensile strength of 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) — stronger than 75% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is Vectran EP-UD easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (20/100, worse than 77% of composite grades). Fabrics and laminates fuzz badly with conventional blades — use ultrasonic knives, hot knives (Tm 330 °C) or water-jet, and diamond-coated/serrated tooling for trimming.
Can Vectran EP-UD be welded?
HT yarn cannot be fusion-joined below its 330 °C melt without strength loss; NT grade can be heat-set/thermally bonded, otherwise use splices, whipping or adhesive terminations.
What surface finishes work on Vectran EP-UD?
Surface is smooth and low-energy; use plasma/corona or a chemical primer before coating or resin impregnation, and add a UV-opaque jacket or pigment for outdoor service.
Can Vectran EP-UD be formed, bent or molded?
Processed as yarn — braided, woven or filament-wound; in composites use low-temperature-cure epoxy or PU (<130 °C) and avoid sharp bends that trigger compressive kink bands.
What is the maximum service temperature of Vectran EP-UD?
Vectran EP-UD is rated for continuous use to about 110°C (230 °F), and briefly to 220°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- Vectran Liquid Crystal Polymer Fiber — Product & Technical Guide — Kuraray Co., Ltd. (2022)
- Vectra Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) resin data — Celanese (2021)
- ASM Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2 — Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
- Handbook of Properties of Textile and Technical Fibres — Woodhead/Elsevier (2018)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.