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2006-06-10 News Headlines

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Architectural panel system withstands hurricane force

Alcoa and DuPont join forces to offer a durable architectural panel system designed to withstand wind-borne debris and wind speeds common in category 3 hurricanes.

Alcoa and DuPont are introducing an innovative new product that incorporates both companies' science and technical expertise in high-strength materials technology. Called Reynobond(R) with Kevla(R), it is a durable architectural panel system designed to withstand wind-borne debris and wind speeds common in hurricanes up to a Category 3 storm. (Category 3 hurricanes have wind speeds up to 130 mph). Reynobond made with Kevlar brand fiber acts as a safety net by helping to protect the facades of buildings from hurricane-propelled debris, frequently the main cause of hurricane damage.

By adding a thin layer of KEVLAR fabric to Reynobond's polyethylene core, Alcoa has created the only light, flexible aluminum composite panel that can withstand hurricane-propelled debris and similar types of impact — without the use of backer materials.

Reynobond with Kevlar combines the weight and flexibility benefits of Alcoa's Reynobond aluminum composite material with the impact-resistant strength of DuPont(TM) Kevlar fiber. "Partnering with DuPont provided Alcoa the opportunity to enhance our lightweight, widely used Reynobond aluminum composite material to a new level of usage by inserting DuPont's ultra strong Kevlar fabric into the architectural panel," said Eric Bassel, President of Alcoa Architectural Products.

Stopped in its tracks: In this lab test, debris hurled with hurricane force fails to break through new Reynobond® with KEVLAR® composite panels. Click Go for larger image. photo: Alcoa, Inc.

By introducing a thin layer of fabric made from Kevlar fiber between the Reynobond aluminum skins and polyethylene core, Alcoa has created the only light, flexible aluminum composite material that can, on its own, withstand hurricane-propelled debris.

Alcoa has successfully tested panels that have passed rigorous simulated hurricane impact tests conducted by Hurricane Test Laboratory, LLC in Florida, including the "large missile impact test," involving a 9-pound 2X4 timber traveling at 50 feet per second, as stipulated by the Miami-Dade Building Code. Official approval of the product from the Miami-Dade County Building Code Compliance Office is pending.

The composite is an ideal cladding material for the facades of commercial office and public buildings, such as schools, libraries, museums, hospitals and other small and mid-sized structures, particularly in hurricane prone areas like the U.S. Gulf region.

Reynobond with Kevlar is a cost-effective alternative to traditional fascia materials because no protective backer material is needed, it is easy to install, and it is low maintenance. Panels can be shop-fabricated and quickly and simply installed onto studs, significantly reducing installation time and labor costs as compared to other facades. Because no repainting is required, the new product requires less maintenance over its lifetime.

Highly Engineered Solution

Reynobond with Kevlar is a lightweight aluminum composite material that helps provide protection for a building structure with a superior strength to weight ratio further enhanced by the extraordinary high strength of DuPont Kevlar brand fiber, which is five times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis. Kevlar is used around the world as the life-saving material in bullet-resistant vests and body armor. In this application, Kevlar provides superior impact resistance, similar to how it works as a protective barrier around jet turbine blades and luggage containers for aircraft to help shield passengers from flying debris should an explosion occur.

Read a recent press release from Alcoa about - 'Alcoa's Global Engineered Products business signs a multi-year contract with Nike to supply specialty aluminum drawn tube for the sports giant's premium brand baseball bats.'

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM), and Kevlar(R) are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

Reynobond(R), Reynolds Wrap(R), Alcoa(R), and Baco(R) are registered trademarks of Alcoa Inc.

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