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Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene bulletproof fabric is used to produce blast blankets and stab-resistant vests.

Nov 07,2025

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene bulletproof fabric is used to produce blast blankets and stab-resistant vests.

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene UD fabric is a composite material made by unidirectionally arranging ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers and then impregnating them with resin. Thanks to its long-chain structure with a molecular weight exceeding 1.5 million and its highly crystalline nature, it boasts exceptional strength and outstanding impact resistance.

 

Characteristics of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene UD fabric:

1. Ultra-high strength and lightweight design

With a specific strength exceeding 15 times that of steel wire and a density of only 0.97 g/cm³, it enables high-strength, lightweight designs—perfect for high-load applications where weight reduction is critical.

Despite its extremely high strength, UHMWPE UD fabric retains a notable degree of flexibility, making it easy to laminate with other materials—such as woven fabrics—to create bulletproof vests, protective inserts, or custom-fitted shields that conform precisely to the contours of wearable equipment.

2. Exceptional impact resistance

It maintains excellent impact resistance even at low temperatures (-269°C), with an energy absorption capacity 3.6 times greater than aramid, thanks to its internal network structure that effectively dissipates external impact energy.

3. Wear Resistance and Chemical Stability

Outperforms conventional carbon steel by 4 to 8 times in wear resistance, and exhibits exceptional durability against strong acids, strong bases, seawater, and organic solvents—resulting in a lifespan that is 3.7 times longer even in harsh environments such as sulfur-rich crude oil or under intense UV radiation.

4. Low Friction and Self-Lubricating Properties

The coefficient of friction is only 0.05–0.11, nearly matching the friction level of ice surfaces, significantly reducing equipment energy consumption and maintenance needs, making it ideal for high-speed moving parts.

5. Biocompatibility and Weather Resistance

Hygienic and non-toxic; resistant to UV degradation, with high stability in marine or outdoor environments.

 

Applications of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene UD fabric:

1. Individual Protective Safety Field

Bulletproof and stab-resistant gear: These are the core materials used in manufacturing body armor, bulletproof helmets, stab-proof vests, and shields. Their lightweight properties significantly enhance the mobility and wearing comfort of individual soldier equipment.

Explosion-proof equipment: Used to create explosion-proof fences and explosion-proof blankets. When deployed, place explosives at the center of the fence and cover them with the explosion-proof blanket, effectively isolating and mitigating the blast's power, thereby protecting nearby personnel and valuable equipment.

2. Specialized Equipment in the Aerospace and Aviation Fields

Specialized equipment: including armored protective panels for helicopters, tanks, and ships, radar protection housings, missile covers, and other related applications.

Aerospace: Suitable for wingtip structures of various aircraft, spacecraft structures, and buoyant aircraft; also used as deceleration parachutes for space shuttle landings and as ropes for suspending heavy loads on airplanes.

3. Marine and Industrial Applications

Marine Engineering: Used to manufacture high-strength ropes, fishing lines, net cages, and more. Its exceptional features—such as high strength, corrosion resistance, and low water absorption—make it perfectly suited for marine environments.

Industrial applications: Used to manufacture pressure-resistant containers, conveyor belts, automotive buffer panels, and more, as well as cut-resistant gloves that provide protection for workers.

4. Sports and Other Fields

Stab-resistant vests vs. fencing uniforms: In high-risk sports like fencing and motocross, athletes face the danger of being pierced by sharp objects or suffering high-speed impacts. Traditional protective materials are often bulky and can hinder movement. However, stab-resistant linings made from UHMWPE UD fabric are not only lightweight and thin—almost as comfortable as regular clothing—but also deliver exceptional cut-and-stab protection. This allows athletes to perform their technical maneuvers freely and safely, without any sense of restriction.

Professional sports protective gear: For instance, in high-speed, high-contact sports like skiing, skateboarding, and football, these护具 are designed to safeguard critical areas such as the thighs, shoulders, and shins. UD fabric composite materials effectively absorb and disperse impact energy upon collision—thanks to the controlled fracture and deformation of fibers—significantly reducing the risk of fractures and soft-tissue contusions. Additionally, their lightweight design ensures that the护具 doesn’t become a burden for athletes.

Rowing and Kayaking: Rowboat hulls and paddles made from UHMWPE UD fabric composites are lighter than traditional carbon-fiber products, while offering exceptional impact resistance and wear durability. This means the boat experiences less drag in the water, accelerates more quickly, and is far more resilient against scratches caused by reefs and shoreline impacts.

Snowboards vs. Sleddes: In alpine skiing and sledding events, reducing the weight of your equipment means faster acceleration and more precise control. UD fabric is used in the core or base layer of snowboards, offering remarkable elasticity and impact resistance—ensuring stability and durability even at high speeds. At the same time, its exceptional cold-temperature performance and abrasion resistance make it an ideal match for the demanding conditions of ice and snow sports.

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