Effect of the temperature on ballistic performance of UHMWPE laminate with limited thickness

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is widely used as bulletproof material, but it has evident temperature sensitivity, which can lead to the fluctuation of impact resistance. To explore the effect of temperature on the ballistic performance of UHMWPE laminates, ballistic experiments were conducted at different temperatures of -20, 10, 80, and 95 degrees C, respectively. The ballistic efficiency, back face deformation and opening hole characteristic of the laminates were compared and analyzed. At all considered temperatures, the laminates with a thickness of 10 mm were perforated, while those with thicknesses of 20 and 30 mm were not, and the ballistic response of the 20 mm laminates changed most strongly with the variation of the temperature. The temperatures of 10 and 80 degrees C had no significant effect on the deformation and failure of UHMWPE laminates, while the laminates hardened evidently at -20 degrees C and softened evidently at 95 degrees C, and the temperature treatments at -20 degrees C and 95 degrees C generally led to the highest and lowest protection performance, respectively. The bulletproof application of UHMWPE laminates at temperatures above 80 degrees C need extra attention and further investigated. The results of this study will be useful for the design of more flexible and effective UHMWPE-based protective equipment.

Automated summary

Temperature significantly affects the ballistic performance of UHMWPE laminates, with the most noticeable effects at -20 and 95 degrees Celsius. Deformation and failure of UHMWPE laminates are not significantly impacted at 10 and 80 degrees Celsius.