Abstract:
Fabric laminates having superior resistance to penetration of fragments, such as shrapnel. The fabrics are formed of high-strength fibers consolidated with from about 7% to about 15% by weight of an elastomeric matrix composition, and in combination with protective layers of a polymer film on each surface of the fabric. The fabrics achieve a significant improvement in fragment resistance compared to fabrics of the prior art, while also maintaining excellent ballistic resistant properties.
Abstract:
Ballistic resistant composite articles that are resistant to both backface deformation and ballistic penetration. Multiple composites are attached to each other such that fibers in each adjacent composite are oriented at different angles. Each composite has an areal density of at least about 100 g/m2 wherein the areal density of the strike face composite is greater than half of the total areal density of overall multi-composite article.
Abstract:
Ballistic resistant materials having improved strength and lighter weights. More particularly, improved ballistic resistant fabrics produced from drawn, high modulus fibers having a reduced fiber diameter and improved physical strength properties, without changing other properties such as fiber chemistry, binder resin type and binder resin content. The fabrics incorporate low denier per filament monofilament fibers, low denier per filament multifilament fibers, or a combination of low denier per filament monofilament fibers and low denier per filament multifilament fibers in a specialized fabric construction to form fine fiber layers and fabrics having enhanced strength and fiber areal density without altering the fabric weight, or having reduced fabric weight without a corresponding reduction in ballistic performance.
Abstract:
Helmets for military and other applications that require resistance to high energy fragments and rifle bullets are disclosed. The helmets are fabricated with a combination of ceramic, either as a monolith or as a plurality of discreet pieces, and an inner backing material having a plurality of fibrous layers such as polyolefin and/or aramid fiber layers.
Abstract:
A ballistic resistant composite material useful in rigid armor applications. The composite material includes at least one consolidated network of high tenacity fibers in a thermoplastic matrix material. The resin is a thermoplastic polyurethane resin that is semi-crystalline at room temperature. The high tenacity fibers have a tenacity of at least about 7 g/d. Prior to consolidation the polyurethane resin matrix material is in an aqueous medium. When dry, the polyurethane matrix material has a tensile modulus (at 100% elongation) of at least about 500 psi (3.45 MPa), a tensile modulus (at 300% elongation) of at least about 500 psi (3.45 MPa), and an ultimate tensile strength of at least about 2000 psi (13.78 MPa). The ballistic resistant composite material has improved ballistic properties.
Abstract:
Lightweight, ballistic resistant articles are provided. More particularly, armor structures incorporating two or more spaced apart, ballistic resistant panels, having superior impact and ballistic performance at a light weight. The panels are spaced by air or by an intermediate material.
Abstract:
Flexible ballistic resistant composite material that has improved resistance to pick-up of water and other liquids, the composite material comprising a plurality of non-woven fibrous layers. The fibrous layers are formed from a network of high tenacity fibers (aramid fibers, extended chain polyethylene fibers and/or rigid rod fibers). The fibers are embedded in a matrix of a thermoplastic polyurethane resin. Preferably, at least two adjacent fiber layers are oriented in a cross-ply arrangement with respect to each other. Flexible armor, such as body vests, are provided which are formed at least in part from the flexible composite material.
Abstract:
Impact resistant composites formed from at least one fibrous layer comprising a network of high tenacity fibers and at least one layer of a thin titanium film the composite being resistant to at least one of knife stabs, ice pick stabs and ballistic projectiles. Preferably there are a plurality of such layers and the titanium film layer is disposed between adjacent fibrous layers. Body armor formed from the composites have the desired resistance to knife stabs, ice pick stabs and ballistic projectiles.
Abstract:
Bi-directional and multi-axial woven or knitted fabrics, fabric composites, ballistically resistant assemblies thereof, and the methods by which they are made. The fabrics are comprised of sets of strong, substantially parallel, unidirectional yarns lying in parallel planes, one above the other, with the direction of the yarns (11) in a given plane rotated at an angle to the direction of the yarns (12) in adjacent planes; and one or more sets of yarns (13, 14) having lower strength and higher elongation interleaved with the strong yarns. The fabrics of the invention provide superior ballistic effectiveness compared to ordinary woven and knitted fabrics but retain the ease of manufacture on conventional looms and knitting machines.
Abstract:
An impact resistant rigid composite has a plurality of fibrous layers, each of which comprise a network of filaments. The fibrous layers are disposed in a matrix, with elastomeric layer(s) therebetween. Prior to curing of the matrix, successive fibrous layers exhibit therebetween a peel resistance of at least about 3 g(cm. The composite has high rigidity combined with superior ballistic properties. When bonded at one or both surfaces to a hard plate selected from the group consisting of metals and ceramics, the composite affords increased protection against armor piercing projectiles.