The outerwear of bulletproof vests has evolved from pure cotton to polyester cotton, and then to polyester or nylon. Not only has its wear resistance and tear resistance significantly improved, but it is also more suitable for various complex environments, reducing the occurrence of damage to the internal bulletproof layer caused by vest damage and affecting bulletproof performance.
The Development Trend of Bulletproof Vests
1. Varieties and styles are becoming more diverse
Different styles of bulletproof vests have vastly different requirements for quality and other aspects. If the protection area is small (only protecting key parts of the torso), concealed vest that fits snugly requires light weight, and tactical vest requires a large protection area, not only including the torso, but also requiring protection for the shoulders, collar, crotch, and even upper arms. The modular design is used between each part, which is connected by nylon buckles or buckles. For easy on and off, it can be quickly disassembled and installed.
2. The vest material is constantly improving
The outerwear of bulletproof vests has evolved from pure cotton to polyester cotton, and then to polyester or nylon. Not only has its wear resistance and tear resistance significantly improved, but it is also more suitable for various complex environments, reducing the occurrence of damage to the internal bulletproof layer caused by vest damage and affecting bulletproof performance. Recently, there have been requirements for the flame retardant performance of vests, such as the use of Nomex permanent flame retardant materials in bulletproof vests; Irregular sweat wicking fibers have also been widely used on the close fitting surface of concealed bulletproof vests. In addition, the use of Velcro materials allows for even distribution of the weight of the bulletproof vest on the human torso, greatly improving the wearer's mobility. PBO fiber has been widely recognized in the industry due to its excellent ballistic resistance, high temperature resistance, and flame retardancy.
3. Improved performance of bulletproof layer protective cover
Due to the significant influence of humidity and ultraviolet radiation on the performance of the bulletproof layer, many bulletproof vests use protective covers to protect the bulletproof layer. The protective cover is no longer a regular cloth cover, but a special protective layer with waterproof (moisture) and UV protection functions, which can avoid the influence of the external environment on the internal bulletproof layer and extend the service life of the bulletproof vest.
4. Lightweight bulletproof layer
Lightweight and comfort have become the development trend of bulletproof layers. The bulletproof layer is no longer a simple overlay of bulletproof fabric (or weft less fabric), but is designed at different levels based on the trajectory and state of the projectile.
5. Liquid bulletproof materials are becoming increasingly mature
STF Kevlar nanomaterials are composed of tiny and extremely hard silicon particles fused into polyethylene glycol. When a highly mobile liquid is combined with hard particles, it can form a special performance material. In an equilibrium state, it exhibits a dispersed colloidal form, and its viscosity increases sharply under high-speed shear force, exhibiting solid properties. The new type of bulletproof vest made of "shear thickened liquid" is soft and comfortable. It becomes incredibly tough when subjected to sharp tools such as knives, stabs, or high-speed bullets or shrapnel impacts. It can quickly disperse the impact force along the fabric, greatly reducing the pressure per unit area. When the impact force disappears, the "shear thickened liquid" returns to its original liquid state. STF Kevlar materials are divided into two forms: ethanol and STF are diluted in a certain proportion, Kevlar fabrics are immersed in the diluted STF solution, and dried for a certain period of time to form; Fill the Kevlar fabric interlayer with STF liquid, in which case STF remains in a liquid state, also known as liquid bulletproof material.
6. Biomimetic materials
With the advancement of biotechnology, tough materials such as silk and spider silk may be produced in large quantities through genetically modified or synthetic methods. In addition, the development of nanotechnology will also make it possible to develop flexible or sturdy bulletproof materials.