Although the fiber mechanical properties are less than optimal under current processing conditions, ballistic impact tests of composite materials prepared from (relatively low-strength) M5 fiber were conducted by
the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center. These systems were shown to provide performance almost as good as the best composite materials ever prepared for fragmentation protection. Based on these results, it is estimated that fragmentation protective armor systems based on M 5 will reduce the areal density of the ballistic component of these systems by approximately 40-60% over Kevlar KM2® fabric at the same level of protection.
Potential Army applications of the fiber include fragmentation vests and helmets, composites for use in conjunction with ceramic materials for small arms protection and structural composites for vehicles and aircraft. |
