Abstract
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 V50 ballistic limit by 18 m/s.
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