Abstract: Multilayer composite materials having a camouflaged appearance. More particularly, camouflaged tactical vest covers having slots for the webless attachment of accessories. An easily colored outer fabric is provided with a colored camouflage pattern and backed with a non-colored high tenacity fabric for enhanced durability. A colored intermediate adhesive is employed to maintain a camouflaged visual appearance without the added complexity of dying the high tenacity fibers of the backing material.

Abstract: Elongated bodies made from high tenacity polyolefin fibers are provided that are useful as fishing lines, and processes for making the lines. Fibers having tenacities of at least 39 g/denier are braided and fused together to form braided bodies having very small diameters.

Abstract: Braided bodies having a reduced braid density while retaining high tensile properties. High tenacity fibers are braided together at a braid density of less than or equal to 20 picks per inch, wherein the tenacity of the braided body does not decrease with increasing braid density from 17 picks per inch to 19 picks per inch in length of the braided body.

Abstract: A process for forming defect-free fibrous composite materials. More particularly, a process for forming blister-free fibrous composites without having to actively monitor or control blister formation during molding of a stack of plies, and to blister-free composite materials fabricated therefrom. Fibrous plies are coated with a dry, particulate binder without impregnating the plies with the binder. Gaps between fibers/tapes allow air to diffuse out of the stack without affecting the binder coating, thereby avoiding blister formation.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant composite materials having high positive buoyancy in water are provided. More particularly, provided are foam-free, buoyant composite materials fabricated using dry processing techniques. The materials comprise fibrous plies that are partially coated with a particulate binder that is thermopressed to transform a portion of the binder into raised, discontinuous patches bonded to fiber/tape surfaces, while another portion of the particulate binder remains on the fibers/tapes as unmelted particles. The presence of the unmelted binder particles maintains empty spaces within the composite materials which increases the positive buoyancy of the composites in water.

Abstract: A helmet shell is formed having an outer section of fibrous layers, a middle section of fibrous layers and an inner section of fibrous layers. The outer section layers contain high tenacity abrasive fibers in a resin matrix. The middle section layers contain high strength polyolefin fibers and are in the form of woven or knitted fabrics with a resin matrix. The inner section layers contain high strength polyolefin fibers and are in the form of non-woven fabrics with a resin matrix. The helmet is lightweight and resists penetration of rifle bullets.

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: Low porosity fibrous materials, articles formed therefrom and processes for their formation. Multiple plies of high tenacity, multifilament elongate bodies are optionally stitched together and pressed as a set without being laminated, adhered or thermally fused to each other. Pressing spreads the component filaments of the elongate bodies, forcing the filaments to occupy spaces between adjacent fibers and thereby reducing porosity of the complete multi-ply material.

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: A method of making a ballistic resistant composite material having improved resistance to high energy rifle bullets and the like. The method comprises providing at least one fibrous layer comprising a network of high tenacity aramid fibers. The fibrous layer is coated with a thermoplastic polyurethane resin. The coated fibrous layer is molded at a pressure of at least about 1,500 psi (10.3 MPa). Preferably, a plurality of fibrous layers are employed, each of which is formed from to unidirectionally oriented aramid fibers in a thermoplastic polyurethane resin matrix. Adjacent fibrous layers are preferably oriented at 90° with respect to each other.

Abstract: Composite materials combining both high and low strength fibrous materials. More particularly, composite materials that are useful as lightweight vest covers for tactical vests and that are suitable for the formation of alternatives to conventional Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE).

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 materials and articles formed from fiber/tape plies that incorporate multiple different fiber or tape types within a single ply. The different fiber or tape types are physically dissimilar but may be chemically different or substantially chemically similar.

Abstract: Braided bodies having a reduced braid density while retaining high tensile properties. High tenacity fibers are braided together at a braid density of less than or equal to 20 picks per inch, wherein the tenacity of the braided body does not decrease with increasing braid density from 17 picks per inch to 19 picks per inch in length of the braided body.

Abstract: Elongated bodies made from high tenacity polyolefin fibers are provided that are useful as fishing lines, and processes for making the lines. Fibers having tenacities of at least 39 g/denier are braided and fused together to form braided bodies having very small diameters.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant composite articles having improved resistance to backface deformation. The composite articles incorporate one or more vacuum panels that mitigate or eliminate shock wave energy resulting from a projectile impact to minimize transient compression of materials behind the armor.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant materials and articles formed from fiber/tape plies that incorporate multiple different fiber or tape types within a single ply. The different fiber or tape types are physically dissimilar but may be chemically different or substantially chemically similar.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant materials and articles formed from fiber/tape plies that incorporate multiple different fiber or tape types within a single ply. The different fiber or tape types are physically dissimilar but may be chemically different or substantially chemically similar.

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: 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.