Abstract: The invention provides fabrics having improved ballistic performance and processes for making the same. The fabrics include a network of consolidated multifilament yarns formed of high strength filaments. At least a portion of the high strength filaments of the yarns, are temporarily locked together to provide a substantially stable, flattened cross-sectional configuration to the yarns. The resultant fabrics are capable of absorbing an impact from a projectile, i.e., a bullet or shrapnel, directed toward the fabric and substantially decreasing its velocity. The fabric can also provide slippage or movement of the yarns relative to one another to dissipate the energy of impact of a projectile across a greater surface area of the fabric.

Abstract: The invention provides fabrics having improved ballistic performance and processes for making the same. The fabrics include a network of consolidated multifilament yarns formed of high strength filaments. At least a portion of the high strength filaments of the yarns are temporarily locked together to provide a substantially stable, flattened cross-sectional configuration to the yarns. The resultant fabrics are capable of absorbing an impact from a projectile, i.e., a bullet or shrapnel, directed toward the fabric and substantially decreasing its velocity. The fabric can also provide slippage or movement of the yarns relative to one another to dissipate the energy of impact of a projectile across a greater surface area of the fabric.