High performance same fiber composite hybrids by varying resin content only

Abstract

Multi-panel ballistic resistant articles formed from woven and/or non-woven fibrous panels, each panel including varying quantities of a polymeric composition based on the total weight of the fibers and the polymeric composition. The hybrid structures provide excellent ballistic penetration resistance while maintaining a low weight. The ballistic resistant articles may be strategically positioned to dial in different levels of desired ballistic resistance for various applications.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A hard armor article comprising a ballistic resistant material comprising two or more panels, including:
 a first panel and a second panel, each comprising a plurality of fibrous layers, said plurality of fibrous layers being consolidated; each of the fibrous layers comprising a plurality of fibers, said fibers in each of said fibrous layers being the same in each panel and having a tenacity of 7 g/denier or more and a tensile modulus of 150 g/denier or more; each of said fibers having a surface, and the surfaces of said fibers being coated with a polymeric composition   wherein said first panel contains a greater percentage by weight of the polymeric composition, based on the total weight of the first panel, than a percentage by weight of the polymeric composition in said second panel, based on the total weight of the second panel   wherein said first panel, relative to all of said two or more panels, is positioned closest to a potential ballistic threat, and   wherein the hard armor article is a helmet or a vehicle panel.   
     
     
         31 . The hard armor article of  claim 30  wherein at least one panel of said two or more panels comprises a plurality of fibrous layers which comprise non-woven fibers or a plurality of fibrous layers which comprise woven fibers. 
     
     
         32 . The hard armor article of  claim 30  wherein said fibers in each of said fibrous layers of each panel are polyolefin fibers, aramid fibers, polybenzazole fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, polyamide fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, polyethylene naphthalate fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers, liquid crystal copolyester fibers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, rigid rod fibers, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         33 . A hard armor article comprising a ballistic resistant material comprising two or more panels, including:
 a first panel and a second panel, each comprising a plurality of fibrous layers, said plurality of fibrous layers being consolidated; each of the fibrous layers comprising a plurality of fibers, said fibers in each of said fibrous layers being the same in each panel and having a tenacity of 7 g/denier or more and a tensile modulus of 150 g/denier or more; each of said fibers having a surface, and the surfaces of said fibers being coated with a polymeric composition   wherein said first panel contains a greater percentage by weight of the polymeric composition, based on the total weight of the first panel, than a percentage by weight of the polymeric composition in said second panel, based on the total weight of the second panel   wherein said second panel, relative to all of said two or more panels, is positioned furthest from a potential ballistic threat, and   wherein the hard armor article is a helmet or a vehicle panel.   
     
     
         34 . The hard armor article of  claim 33  wherein at least one panel of said two or more panels comprises a plurality of fibrous layers which comprise non-woven fibers or a plurality of fibrous layers which comprise woven fibers. 
     
     
         35 . The hard armor article of  claim 33  wherein said fibers in each of said fibrous layers of each panel are polyolefin fibers, aramid fibers, polybenzazole fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, polyamide fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, polyethylene naphthalate fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers, liquid crystal copolyester fibers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, rigid rod fibers, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         36 . The hard armor article of  claim 30  wherein said fibers in each of said fibrous layers of each panel are polyethylene fibers or aramid fibers. 
     
     
         37 . The hard armor article of  claim 33  wherein said fibers in each of said fibrous layers of each panel are polyethylene fibers or aramid fibers.