WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - DuPont Protection Technologies today announced that it will kick-off a year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of DuPont™ Kevlar® starting this week with the sponsorship of the ESPN's X Games Aspen , January 22-25. DuPont will highlight Kevlar® and the new Dare Bigger™ brand platform, along with Armada Skis, Inc., in a new film featuring the research and development of high-performance skis made with DuPont™ Kevlar® that will be used by Olympic freeskier and six-time X Games medalist, Torin Yater-Wallace.
The Dare Bigger™ brand platform represents inspiration for anyone who relies on the safety and performance of Kevlar® brand fiber, invented by DuPont after DuPont scientist Stephanie Kwolek made her discovery of the first liquid crystal polymer in 1965. An advanced material synonymous with strength, durability and performance in extreme conditions, it has been used in applications ranging from space suits and body armor to sporting equipment and cell phones.
"As the world's premier action sports event, X Games Aspen is the ultimate destination to kick off the 50th anniversary celebration of DuPont™ Kevlar®," said Eric Johnson, executive vice president of global multimedia sales at ESPN. "We look forward to expanding our collaboration with DuPont as the brand continues to innovate and provide our athletes with solutions for performance-based sporting equipment."
The two-minute R&D film showcases the collaboration between DuPont and Armada, a premier ski manufacturer co-founded by five of the world's best young skiers, as they design the latest skis for Yater-Wallace. It demonstrates how Kevlar® is incorporated into the skis for optimum flexural performance, to absorb the repeated punishment of impact and to control the vibration characteristics of the skis, allowing athletes to focus their attention on obtaining height and landing with accuracy.
"Armada is proud to be collaborating with DuPont on this cutting-edge product design," said Erik Snyder, chief executive officer, Armada Skis. "In a sport where equipment takes a beating and performance is critical, Armada skis made with DuPont™ Kevlar® will improve equipment durability and help skiers Dare Bigger™ in the competitive world of freestyle skiing."
The breadth and versatility of the Kevlar® technology platform helps enable customers to design products that make a difference when performance and safety are crucial. It is lightweight, extraordinarily strong and flame resistant. Best known for its use in ballistic and stab-resistant body armor, Kevlar® has helped to save the lives of thousands of people around the world. The use of Kevlar® has been extended to everything from fire fighter and industrial protective clothing to vehicles, fiber optic cables, mining belts, commercial aircraft and city roads. Kevlar® fiber also is used in many consumer products such as mobile phones, tires, sporting apparel and equipment.
"This year's ESPN X Games Aspen are taking place as we enter our 50th year of continuous innovations with DuPont™ Kevlar®," said Marc Doyle , president, DuPont Protection Technologies. "The Dare Bigger™ platform is fitting as this extraordinary material was invented 50 years ago by a woman who embodied the concept. Stephanie Kwolek was a true pioneer and we continue her legacy today by bringing DuPont science and engineering to our collaborations with customers and licensees, providing solutions that challenge boundaries, defy limits and enable Dare Bigger™ performance."
In celebration of the 50th anniversary, the DuPont™ Kevlar® Facebook and Twitter sites will highlight 50 Dare Bigger™ Moments throughout 2015. Visit the Dare Bigger™ microsite , or click here to submit a Dare Bigger™ moment, innovation or story.
DuPont Protection Technologies is a leader in technologies and products that protect people, the environment and critical assets worldwide. For additional information, please visit DuPont Protection Technologies . For media information on the Kevlar 50th anniversary, please visit the DuPont™ Kevlar® Media Center .
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com .
Additional Quotes:
Torin Yater-Wallace, U.S. freeskier: "When you're competing there are countless things to worry about, including everything from weather to the course to making it on the podium. The last thing I want to have to think about is my equipment – I like knowing that my skis are made with DuPont™ Kevlar®. Not only does it provide the confidence in strength and durability, but gives me knowledge that I have the best skis that will help me get the job done."
Stephanie Kwolek, DuPont™ Kevlar® aramid fiber inventor: "All sorts of things can happen when you're open to new ideas and playing around with things."
Scott Parazynski, retired NASA astronaut (7-time space walker): "Is my space suit going to protect me today? Without the presence of Kevlar®, I think it would be terrifying." – BBC Horizons, The Kevlar® Journey, Top to Bottom
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1/20/14
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DuPont Sandra K. James 302-999-3813
