Novel Compound Cushion Layer for Reinforcement of Ballistic Resistance

Abstract

Energy transmission and dissipation are the basic functions of cushion materials. In this investigation, spread polyester filament was laid on the pre-punching polyamide web with low-melted polyester staple fibers to create a sandwich structure by covering another web. Bonding by needle punching and thermal calender then, produced compound nonwoven fabrics, and these were then used to replace the original cushion material of a bulletproof vest. The buffer effect of the compound nonwoven fabrics in the bulletproof complex fabrics was assessed based on the deformation of the backing material in a bullet-shooting test. The content of low-melting-temperature polyester staple fibers, needle punching density and the polyester filament content were adjuster to determine the influences of these parameters on the buffer effect of the compound nonwoven fabrics in bulletproof complex fabrics. The compound nonwoven fabrics were demonstrated to be superior to the original cushion material of a bulletproof vest in terms of buffer effect. Additionally, this work hoped to reduce the production cost of bulletproof vests. The analytical results show that the maximum deformation of the backing material changes from 3.29 to 1.85 cm under adaptable processing conditions. Compound nonwoven fabrics with improved buffer effect thus can be used to replace the original cushion material of a bulletproof vest.