Polyethylene Fiber
Current U.S. Polyethylene Fiber Producer: Honeywell
Polyethylene Fiber — (Spectra, currently produced in the U.S. by Honeywell) is one of the world's strongest and lightest fibers. Polyethylene fiber is, pound-for-pound, 10 times stronger than steel and up to 40 percent stronger than aramids. It floats, resists chemicals and water, and exhibits superior fiber-to-fiber abrasion.
Polyethylene fibers are used in numerous applications,
including police and military ballistic vests, helmets and armored
vehicles, sailcloth, fishing lines, marine cordage and lifting
slings, cut-resistant gloves, and a wide range of safety apparel.