Carbon, polyethylene and PBO hybrid fibre composites for structural lightweight armour

The properties of hybrid composite materials (based on carbon and organic fibres) have been investigated, with a view to using these materials in polymer composites lightweight structural armour. Laminates were manufactured and their specific ballistic properties and specific compressive strength after impact were determined. The introduction of organic fibres in order to improve ballistic properties has been successful. The associated reduction of specific compressive strength can be more than compensated for by an increase of specific ballistic properties. To achieve this, fractions of each fibre type and their distribution must be optimised and matrices must be optimised to the function of the respective fibre. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.