In an effort to strengthen the Kaaba's kiswa (cover), a team of experts at Umm al-Qura University in Makkah is studying the of use Kelvar, the para-aramid synthetic fiber, to make it resistant to high temperatures and heavy weights.

"Kevlar material will be integrated with advanced synthetic fibers to support the silk threads and certain amounts will be used in the automatic weaving process to strengthen the cover and prevent it from tearing and expanding and bear heavy weights," Muhammad Bajouda, Director General of the King Abdulaziz Complex was quoted saying by Al Arabiya.

"The kiswa will also be strengthened using nanotechnology which is used in the dyeing process in the first phases of production. Silk threads are also treated before being using in the automatic weaving process in order to strengthen them and make them resist environmental factors and mishandling," Bajouda added.

Kevlar is a fabric well-known for its flexible threads and resistance to fire and cuts. It is used to make bulletproof vests, cars and planes.

Source: Khaleej Times