Abstract: Ballistic resistant articles having excellent resistance to deterioration due to liquid exposure. More particularly, ballistic resistant fibrous composites 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.

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: 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 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: Hybrid fiber constructions having reduced creep tendency. More particularly, twisted, low creep yarns formed by twisting together one or more high strength polyolefin fibers and one or more low creep reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: Multilayer ballistic resistant articles formed from a combination of flexible and semi-rigid panel components. The flexible and semi-rigid panels may include woven fibrous layers, non-woven fibrous layers or both. The articles provide suitable protection against high energy ballistic threats, while remaining suitable for flexible vest applications.

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 unidirectionally oriented aramid fibers in a thermoplastic polyurethane resin matrix. Adjacent fibrous layers are preferably oriented at 90° with respect to each other.

Abstract: A process for forming a unidirectionally oriented fiber structure formed of high tenacity fibers. A plurality of yarns of high tenacity fibers are supplied, with the yarns being unidirectionally oriented. The yarns are coated with a liquid having a viscosity of about 5 to about 600 centipoises and tension is applied to the yarns. The yarns are passed through a fiber spreading device and the yarns are dried. The yarns are reduced in thickness and increased in width after passing through the fiber spreading device, with the fibers forming the yarns being spread apart, thus providing a relatively thin unidirectionally oriented fiber structure.

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: A robust process for the continuous preparation of solutions of high molecular weight UHMW PO that is capable of producing strong materials at high production capacity, is conservative of capital and energy requirements, and the articles made therefrom.

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: A robust process for the continuous preparation of solutions of high molecular weight UHMW PO that is capable of producing strong materials at high production capacity, is conservative of capital and energy requirements, and the articles made therefrom.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant articles having excellent resistance to deterioration due to liquid exposure. More particularly, ballistic resistant fibrous composites 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.

Abstract: Multilayer ballistic resistant articles formed from a combination of flexible and semi-rigid panel components. The flexible and semi-rigid panels may include woven fibrous layers, non-woven fibrous layers or both. The articles provide suitable protection against high energy ballistic threats, while remaining suitable for flexible vest applications.

Abstract: Body armor vests and other articles having combined ballistic performance and overall weight characteristics are described. A representative body armor vest comprises both a rigid breast plate and a flexible fabric adjoining the breast plate. Both components may comprise a plurality of unidirectionally oriented fibrous layers comprising fibers having high tenacity and a high tensile modulus.

Abstract: Methods to determine the durability and wear-resistance of soft armor. Observations on field tested articles of soft body armor indicate that the materials are subject to a combination of flexing, tensile, compressive and abrasive forces. The forces and stresses to which soft armor articles are subjected to can be duplicated in a controlled, isolated, measurable, appropriate and intuitive manner, to correlate ballistic performance with durability and wear characteristics. The tests closely approximate the forces and stresses experienced in the end use of ballistic resistant composite articles.

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: 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.

Abstract: Methods to determine the durability and wear-resistance of soft armor. Observations on field tested articles of soft body armor indicate that the materials are subject to a combination of flexing, tensile, compressive and abrasive forces. The forces and stresses to which soft armor articles are subjected to can be duplicated in a controlled, isolated, measurable, appropriate and intuitive manner, to correlate ballistic performance with durability and wear characteristics. The tests closely approximate the forces and stresses experienced in the end use of ballistic resistant composite articles.