High performance ballistic protection

High-performance ballistic protection using polymer nanocomposites... 

Both polyethylene and aramid fibers have increasing applications in a variety of armor products. Body armor is a high performance system for protection against rifle bullets. Armor containing these fibers together with a polymeric matrix in the form a composite can provide ballistic protection as well as structural... 

Aramid and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene are used extensively as base materials for ballistic protection. As discussed earlier (section 7.3.1), these high performance fibres are characterised by high strength, high eneigy absorption, and low density. However, to meet the protection requirements for typical ballistic threats, approximately 13-50 layers of fabric are required, which results in a bulky and stiff armour. The bulk-iness limits its comfort and has resfiicted its appUcation primarily to torso protection. 

Composite materials and hybrid structures are usually employed to provide multiple functions in addition to cut resistance requirements. Composite cord threads using stainless steel filaments as core, and other high performance fibres as sheath, are used in cut resistance fabrics to provide both flexibility and cut protection. A flexible body armour vest made from a combination of Dyneema high performance polyethylene fibre from Royal DSM (Dutch State Mines), and Steelskin steel cord material from Bekaert, offering both ballistic-proof and stab-proof protections from gunshots, shrapnel and knives stabs has been reported. 

The overall thickness of fabrics for ballistic protection must be high to achieve the desired level of performance. In turn, the increased bulk and thickness of body armour reduces the level of thermal comfort. However, the performance of these textiles for ballistic protection is still the essential requirement. 

Protech (protective textiles) These products can offer protection against extreme cold, radiation, harmful particulate matter, harmful chemicals, extreme heat and/or fire, molten metals, bacterial and viral contamination, ballistic and mechanical threats, etc., where high-performance fibers are often used. The current size of the personal protective clothing and equipment market in the European Union is estimated to be about 10billion. Advances in novel specialty fibers, nanoparticles, and the integration of microelectronic components into fabrics and garments have opened up new frontiers in the development of textile-based materials for personal protection. 

---