Body armor benzobisoxazole fibers

Field and Laboratory Aging Effects on PoIy(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) Fibers Used in Body Armor... 

In recent years, poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers have become prominent in high strength applications such as body armor, ropes and cables, and recreational equipment. However, degradation of PBO fiber mechanical properties following exposure to moisture has been documented by the manufacturer (7) and at least one failure of PBO-based body armor in the field has occurred (2). The objectives of this study were to compare changes in mechanical and chemical properties of yams extracted from PBO-based body armor that was penetrated by a bullet in the field approximately 6 months after being deployed, with PBO-based body armor panels of the same model aged in the laboratory under elevated temperature and moisture conditions. 

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