Analysis of the state of the problem of improving the armor-piercing properties of personal protective equipment: a review study

Abstract

The object of the study is personal protective equipment such as body armour, and the subject of the work is the study of the processes of destruction of the integrity of personal protective equipment such as body armour in order to find ways to improve their strength characteristics. Protective body armour is a key element of protection for the military, law enforcement agencies and other professions involving risk to life. Modern materials and technologies make it possible to produce bulletproof vests of the highest level of protection, providing not only protection against bullets but also against other hazards such as explosions and shrapnel. However, the systems must have improved ballistic efficiency, be lightweight, flexible and comfortable for effective work. In general, the effectiveness of protective body armour is determined by various factors, including the construction technique of the vest, the type of materials and the finish of the protective panels.
 This paper provides a detailed overview of the current state of the art in body armour panel design and various materials for the manufacture of protective plates. A detailed analysis of the different types of protective body armour and their categories is provided. Next, various methods of panel construction, their problems and possible solutions will be presented. Finally, various polymeric fibre and future possible advanced materials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene CNTs and super thickened fluids (STFs), will be discussed for the development of enhanced protection panels.