Abstract: Penetration-resistant composites and methods of forming penetration-resistant composites are described herein. The penetration-resistant composites include a woven or non-woven substrate; and an elastomeric binder covering at least a portion of the substrate. The elastomeric binder includes a polymeric base and particles dispersed within the polymeric base. The particles include one or more of amorphous silica particles, fumed silica particles, boron nitride particles, calcium chloride particles, aluminum oxide particles, calcium carbonate particles, graphite particles, metallic glass particles and silicon carbide particles. The particles have a concentration in a range of about 0 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of the elastomeric binder and have a size in a range of about 1 nanometers to 100 micrometers.