Abstract: A helmet shell formed from two types of high tenacity fibers in multiple layers of fibrous materials. The fibrous materials are in the form of layers of fibrous networks in a resin matrix. There are a plurality of each type of fibrous layers. Preferably the outer set of fibrous layers is formed from aramid fibers and the inner set of fibrous layers is formed from high tenacity polyolefin fibers. There may also be employed a third type of fibrous material as an additional set of fibers and used as the outer layers of the helmet shell. The third type of fibrous layers is formed from glass fibers that are also in a resin matrix. The helmet is lightweight, has excellent ballistic resistant properties and is useful for both military and non-military applications.

Abstract: A method for applying multiple polymeric coatings onto a fibrous substrate. More particularly, a method for applying multiple polymeric coatings onto fibrous substrates without regard to chemical or physical incompatibilities of the polymeric coating materials. A first polymeric material is applied onto at least one fibrous substrate, and a second polymeric material is applied onto a support. The fibrous substrate and support are joined, contacting the first polymeric material with the second polymeric material, followed by separating the support from the fibrous substrate, such that at least a portion of the second polymeric material remains on the first polymeric material on the fibrous substrate.

Abstract: Multilayer ballistic resistant articles formed from a combination of flexible and semi-rigid panel components. The flexible and semi-rigid panels may include woven fibrous layers, non-woven fibrous layers or both. The articles provide suitable protection against high energy ballistic threats, while remaining suitable for flexible vest applications.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant articles having excellent resistance to deterioration due to liquid exposure. More particularly, ballistic resistant fibrous composites and articles that retain their superior ballistic resistance performance after exposure to liquids such as sea water and organic solvents, such as gasoline and other petroleum-based products.

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: Body armor vests and other articles having combined ballistic performance and overall weight characteristics are described. A representative body armor vest comprises both a rigid breast plate and a flexible fabric adjoining the breast plate. Both components may comprise a plurality of unidirectionally oriented fibrous layers comprising fibers having high tenacity and a high tensile modulus.

Abstract: Flexible ballistic resistant composite materials are described, having any of a number of important properties, or a combination of properties, including flexibility, comfort, weight, and/or ballistic performance. Representative composite materials comprise a plurality of fibrous layers, such as non-woven fibrous layers, with these fibrous layers comprises fibers (e.g., a network of fibers) having a tenacity of at least about 35 g/d and a tensile modulus of at least about 1200 g/d. Representative fibers include, for example, high tenacity poly(alpha-olefin) fibers. The fibrous layers also comprise a polymeric matrix deposited on the fibers. Advantageously, such composite materials may have an average total areal density per fibrous layer from about 16 g/m2 to about 350 g/m2, and often from about 16 g/m2 to about 300 g/m2, in addition to meeting flexural rigidity and/or stiffness criteria as described herein.

Abstract: Multi-panel ballistic resistant articles formed from woven and/or non-woven fibrous panels, each panel including varying quantities of a polymeric composition based on the total weight of the fibers and the polymeric composition. The hybrid structures provide excellent ballistic penetration resistance while maintaining a low weight. The ballistic resistant articles may be strategically positioned to dial in different levels of desired ballistic resistance for various applications.

Abstract: A method for applying multiple polymeric coatings onto a fibrous substrate. More particularly, a method for applying multiple polymeric coatings onto fibrous substrates without regard to chemical or physical incompatibilities of the polymeric coating materials. A first polymeric material is applied onto at least one fibrous substrate, and a second polymeric material is applied onto a support. The fibrous substrate and support are joined, contacting the first polymeric material with the second polymeric material, followed by separating the support from the fibrous substrate, such that at least a portion of the second polymeric material remains on the first polymeric material on the fibrous substrate.

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: Fibrous substrates and articles that retain their superior ballistic resistance performance after exposure to liquids such as sea water and organic solvents, such as gasoline and other petroleum-based products. The fibrous substrates are coated with a multilayer polymeric coating including at least two polymer layers wherein the first polymer and the second polymer forming said respective layers are the same and optionally comprise fluorine.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant articles having abrasion resistance. Particularly, abrasion resistant, ballistic resistant articles and composites having a silicone-based topical treatment.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant fabrics and articles that retain superior ballistic resistance performance after exposure to liquids such as sea water and organic solvents, such as gasoline and other petroleum-based products. The fabrics are formed from high performance fibers coated with a nitrile rubber binder polymer having an acrylonitrile content of from about 15 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, and are optionally coated with a binder that is a blend of a nitrile rubber and a fluorine-containing material.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant articles having abrasion resistance. Particularly, abrasion resistant, ballistic resistant articles and composites having a silicone-based topical treatment.

Abstract: Consolidated, layered composites having high penetration resistance to both bullets and fragments are described. The composites comprise, in order, a first non-woven fabric comprising one or a plurality of unidirectionally oriented high tenacity fibrous layers, a felt material comprising high tenacity felt fibers, and a second non-woven fabric comprising one or a plurality of unidirectionally oriented high tenacity fibrous layers. The non-woven fabrics and intermediate felt material are consolidated at facing lateral surfaces.

Abstract: A method for applying multiple polymeric coatings onto a fibrous substrate. More particularly, a method for applying multiple polymeric coatings onto fibrous substrates without regard to chemical or physical incompatibilities of the polymeric coating materials. A first polymeric material is applied onto at least one fibrous substrate, and a second polymeric material is applied onto a support. The fibrous substrate and support are joined, contacting the first polymeric material with the second polymeric material, followed by separating the support from the fibrous substrate, such that at least a portion of the second polymeric material remains on the first polymeric material on the fibrous substrate.

Abstract: A multilayered composite fabric, the composite fabric comprising a first fabric comprising first and second non-woven unidirectionally oriented fiber layers. Each of the fiber layers is in a resin matrix and the fibers comprise high tenacity fibers. The fibers in the two fiber layers are disposed at an angle with respect to each other. The composite fabric includes a second fabric comprising multi-directionally oriented fibers optionally in a resin matrix. The second fabric also comprises high tenacity fibers. The first and second fabrics are bonded together to form the composite fabric, which has improved ballistic resistant properties. Plastic films may be adhered to one or both outer surfaces of the first fabric and can serve as the bonding agent between the two fabrics. Also described is a method of making a composite fabric.

Abstract: A multilayered composite fabric, the composite fabric comprising a first fabric comprising first and second non-woven unidirectionally oriented fiber layers. Each of the fiber layers is in a resin matrix and the fibers comprise high tenacity fibers. The fibers in the two fiber layers are disposed at an angle with respect to each other. The composite fabric includes a second fabric comprising multi-directionally oriented fibers optionally in a resin matrix. The second fabric also comprises high tenacity fibers. The first and second fabrics are bonded together to form the composite fabric, which has improved ballistic resistant properties. Plastic films may be adhered to one or both outer surfaces of the first fabric and can serve as the bonding agent between the two fabrics. Also described is a method of making a composite fabric.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant fabrics and articles that retain their superior ballistic resistance performance after exposure to liquids such as sea water and organic solvents, such as gasoline and other petroleum-based products. The fabrics incorporate a fluorine-containing polymeric binder composition and an optional surfactant.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant fabrics and articles that retain their superior ballistic resistance performance after exposure to liquids such as sea water and organic solvents, such as gasoline and other petroleum-based products. The fabrics incorporate a fluorine-containing polymeric binder composition and an optional surfactant.