Abstract: Flexible composite materials and soft body armor formed therefrom having enhanced abrasion resistance. The materials and armor include at least one first separator layer positioned between adjacent fabric layers, or between a fabric layer and a cover, where the separator layer spaces the adjacent fabric layers or the fabric layer and cover apart from each other without being laminated or otherwise attached or connected to either the layers or the cover such that they are free to move relative to each other.

Abstract: Body armor, in particular soft body armor, which has improved properties, and in particular enhanced abrasion resistance. The soft body armor and flexible composite materials useful for such body armor include at least one woven fabric layer, at least one second fabric layer comprising high tenacity fibers having a tenacity of at least about 7 g/d, and at least one first separator layer positioned between the woven fabric layer and the second fabric layer. The first separator layer is a lightweight, thin and flexible layer having an areal density of less than or equal to about 150 g/m2. The first separator layer is not laminated to either of the woven fabric layers or the second fabric layers such that the two layers are free to move relative to each other. Preferably the woven fabric layer is in the form of at least one stack of woven fabric layers and the second fabric layer is in the form of at least one stack of second fabric layers, with the separator layer being positioned between the stacks of layers.

Abstract: Laminated felt sheets, and assemblies thereof, having utility for impact absorption, ballistic resistance, penetration resistance per se, as well as in spall shields, structural composites and other applications.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant panel which is formed from a ceramic layer and a plurality of fibrous backing layers. A first fibrous backing layer is adjacent to the ceramic layer, and a second fibrous backing layer is adjacent to the first fibrous backing layer. Each of the fibrous backing layers are formed from a network of high tenacity fibers, but the fibers of each of the backing layers have a different composition. Preferably, the first fibrous layer is stiffer than the second fibrous layer. The panel has a ballistic resistance which is substantially equivalent to or higher than the ballistic resistance of a comparable ceramic panel construction that has only a single fibrous layer of the same type of high tenacity fibers as are in the first and second fibrous backing layers, for substantially the same areal density.

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: Hybrid laminated unidirectional fiber sheets, and assemblies thereof, having utility for impact absorption, ballistic-resistance, penetration-resistance, spall shields, structural composites and for other applications.