Influence of Topical Cross-Linking on Mechanical and Ballistic Performance of a Woven Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Fabric Used in Soft Body Armor

We demonstrate that topical cross-linking of woven ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabric with a small-molecule bis-diazirine reagent can enhance the fabric's resistance to tear and perforation and could provide a lead to further increase the protection provided by a soft body armor made from UHMWPE materials. A series of experiments confirms that the enhancement is likely due to cross-links formed within and between the yarns constituting the woven fabric and that cross-linking particularly strengthens the fabric along its bias direction. The treated fabric was incorporated into multilayer composite panels and challenged in ballistic tests. These measurements revealed that as low as a 1 wt % cross-linker can significantly increase the V-50 ballistic limit by 18 m/s.

Automated summary

Topical cross-linking of UHMWPE fabric can enhance its resistance to tear and perforation, potentially increasing the protection provided by soft body armor. The cross-linking strengthens the fabric, particularly along its bias direction. Experiments show that even with just 1% cross-linker, the ballistic limit can be significantly increased by 18 m/s.