A review of fibrous materials for soft body armour applications

Abstract

A critical review on the factors affecting the impact resistance behaviour of soft body armour is presented here. The effect of several material and structural parameters of fibrous assemblies used in soft armour is dealt with in depth. The standards of performance evaluation of soft body armour and modes of energy absorption are elucidated. The paper also reviews different approaches resorted to by the researchers to enhance the ballistic or stab resistance performance of these soft body armour materials. These approaches include surface treatments and modifications of the base material to increase yarn to yarn friction as well as implementation of 3D woven fabrics to enhance structural integrity. Among these, the effect of shear thickening fluid (STF) is discussed extensively. The review concludes with the future directions of research in the area of soft body armour.