Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a carbon nanotubes/ultra-high molar mass polyethylene (CNTs/UHPE) composite fiber comprising the steps of a) pre-treating CNTs with an acidic aqueous solution; b) making a composition containing pre-treated CNTs dispersed in a solution of UHPE in a spin solvent; and c) spinning the composition obtained into fibers; wherein step b) comprises making a dispersion of pre-treated CNTs in an alcohol, and mixing this dispersion with a mixture of UHPE and spin solvent. With this process CNTs/UHPE composite fibers showing improved tensile properties are obtained at relatively low CNTs content. A further advantage is that no or hardly any additional components, like dispersion aids, need to be added to make a stable dispersion of CNTs in the spin composition. The invention also relates to a CNTs/UHPE composite fiber obtainable by the process according to the invention, and to semi-finished or end-use articles containing said composite fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a carbon nanotubes/ultra-high molar mass polyethylene (CNTs/UHPE) composite fibre comprising the steps of a) pre-treating CNTs with an acidic aqueous solution; b) making a composition containing pre-treated CNTs dispersed in a solution of UHPE in a spin solvent; and c) spinning the composition obtained into fibres; wherein step b) comprises making a dispersion of pre-treated CNTs in an alcohol, and mixing this dispersion with a mixture of UHPE and spin solvent. With this process CNTs/UHPE composite fibres showing improved tensile properties are obtained at relatively low CNTs content. A further advantage is that no or hardly any additional components, like dispersion aids, need to be added to make a stable dispersion of CNTs in the spin composition. The invention also relates to a CNTs/UHPE composite fibre obtainable by the process according to the invention, and to semi-finished or end-use articles containing said composite fibre.

Abstract: A three-dimensional cellular textile composite structure with energy-absorbing capacities under multiple impacts is provided. The cellular textile composite structure includes a base, and at least one progressively collapsible projection extending from the base for absorbing energies under the multiple impacts. The projection includes a non-woven textile material supported in a thermoplastic matrix material such that the projection is capable of retaining energy-absorption capacity at least after the first impact of the multiple impacts.

Abstract: This invention provides a safety helmet in the form of a cycling helmet or similar. The helmet has an outer shell and an energy-absorbing liner within the outer shell. The energy-absorbing liner is provided by a cellular textile material combined with a matrix material to form a composite. The composite material retains some porosity from the original textile material to both improve breathing of the liner and also its capability for large deformations to improve energy absorption. The liner may also be provided with a linkage structure to link adjacent cells to improve the absorption of impact loads over a number of adjacent cells in the composite material.