Zylon is a pretty amazing material. It has 1.6 times the tensile strength of Kevlar, meaning it can withstand 1.6 times more stress while being stretched or pulled. Zylon is used in a number of applications that require very high strength and thermal stability, from Martian rovers to tennis racquets.
Zylon was introduced for use in police body armor in 1998, but these vests were shown to rapidly degrade which caused multiple injuries. That was the only application of the material that failed once it was in use, however.
NASA uses zylon in high altitude balloons in some of its longer data collecting missions. The material also has various uses in Formula One racing, including tethering the wheels to the chassis and protecting the driver’s cockpit. Racing yachts also use zylon in their standard rigging.
Scientists are constantly working to create new materials that can make our world safer and more convenient. Zylon is one of many amazing materials in the world today. Who knows what incredible technologies are just around the corner!