Studies on the stab resistance and ergonomic comfort behaviour of multilayer STF-treated tri-component woven fabric and HPPE laminate composite material

Abstract

Research related to stab-resistant armour is focused on developing a low-weight flexible stab-resistant armour. Various materials and methods have been used to reduce the overall bulk but managing the flexibility and bulk with improved stab resistance is still a challenge for the researchers. In this study, flexible stab-resistant material for stab-resistant personal protective equipments (PPEs) has been developed by using shear thickening fluid (STF) treated fabric made of multicomponent yarns and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) laminate composite. The stab resistance and comfort behaviour like flexural rigidity and areal density were investigated with respect to number of layers and different STF concentrations according to VPAM KDIW-2004 and respective standards for flexural rigidity. Laminate-Woven hybrid composite was developed to reduce the bulk of the panel while maintaining the required protection level.