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Application of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in bulletproof and cut-resistant fields

Jul 12,2025

Application of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in bulletproof and cut-resistant fields

Various Fabrics and Properties of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

UHMWPE fiber's dominance in protective materials stems from its unique combination of properties. From a molecular perspective, UHMWPE possesses a highly oriented, straight-chain crystalline structure with strong intermolecular forces, enabling efficient energy dispersion upon impact.

Its performance advantages are specifically demonstrated in the following aspects:

Specific Strength and Specific Modulus: UHMWPE fiber boasts among the highest specific strength among existing high-performance fibers, exceeding aramid by 35% and carbon fiber by 50%; its specific modulus is also exceptionally superior, reaching 2.5 times that of aramid. This characteristic allows UHMWPE fiber to exhibit outstanding penetration resistance against high-speed projectiles or sharp objects.

Energy Absorption Characteristics: During high-speed impacts, UHMWPE fiber absorbs significant kinetic energy through the deformation and breakage of macromolecular chains. Experiments show that its energy absorption capacity surpasses aramid and steel fibers, making it particularly suitable for ballistic and anti-stab applications. This characteristic originates from its high sonic velocity (approximately 10 km/s), enabling rapid dispersion of impact energy.

Environmental Resistance: UHMWPE fiber exhibits excellent chemical stability, with acid and alkali corrosion resistance far exceeding aramid; its UV resistance is equally outstanding, maintaining a 90% strength retention rate even after 1500 hours of UV irradiation. Furthermore, its low coefficient of friction and wear resistance rank among the best among various high-performance fibers.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Felt

Features impact resistance and explosion protection.

Applications include explosion-proof blanket filling layers, sports protective gear interlayers, and tank armor energy absorption layers.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Filament Fabric

Features ballistic protection and anti-penetration properties.

Applications include soft body armor (warp-knitted fabric), missile domes, and aerospace deceleration systems.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Woven Fabric

Applications include ballistic inserts (composite ceramics), ship armor, and building fall protection nets.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Knitted Fabric

Features flexible cut resistance and sports protection.

Applications include cut-resistant gloves, fencing suits, and medical protective clothing.

 

Applications of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene in Ballistic and Cut-Resistant Fields

Ballistic Protection

Soft Body Armor/Stab-Resistant Clothing: Utilizing a multi-layer warp-knitted structure, it reduces internal organ damage by absorbing 97% of impact energy, weighing 30% less than aramid. UHMWPE warp-knitted fabric is an ideal choice due to its low density, high impact resistance, and good flexibility.

Armor Plates: Composite ceramics are used in helicopter and ship armor to resist high-speed projectiles.

Explosion-Proof Equipment: The felt layer absorbs explosion shock waves and is used in bomb disposal blankets and armor interlayers.

Aerospace and Special Industries

Spaceship deceleration parachutes, suspension ropes (utilizing high specific strength and low-temperature resistance).

Aircraft wingtip structures, buoy aircraft skeletons.

Cut-Resistant Gloves: Blended with steel wire or fiberglass, they resist 1200℃ high-temperature cutting and are used in glass processing and automotive manufacturing. High-performance cut-resistant gloves typically have a three-layer structure: an inner layer of comfortable, moisture-wicking cotton; a middle layer of UHMWPE fiber woven cut-resistant layer; and an outer layer of wear-resistant coating.

Building Fall Protection Nets: Woven fabric safety nets, eight times the strength of steel cables, and corrosion-resistant.

Civilian Protection and Outdoor Equipment

Anti-theft backpacks, anti-cut neck gaiters, resisting knife punctures.

In outdoor equipment, bright green anti-cut fabric is used for tent surfaces and groundsheets, combining protection and visibility.

Climbing ropes, deep-sea aquaculture cables (resistant to seawater corrosion).

Impact Protection

Ski suits, fencing suits (utilizing low-temperature resistance and high extensibility).

Sports Protective Gear Interlayers: Ski armor, motorcycle suit built-in felt.

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