Composite molding of SPECTRA{reg_sign} extended chain polyethylene fibers in a flexible rubber matrix
THETA Technologies, Inc. is a multidisciplinary research and development firm involved in the design and development of affordable, lightweight, high ballistic protection modular body armor ensemble for future military, law enforcement, and specialized commercial market applications. In the course of their research, THETA Technologies, Inc. identified that current state-of-the-art in ballistic protection and overall composite reinforcement is a high density extended chain polyethylene (HDECPE) fiber known as SPECTRA{reg_sign}, a product of AlliedSignal Fibers, Petersburg, VA. SPECTRA{reg_sign} is ten times stronger than steel of equal weight. As a non-aramid polyethylene, it offers highly desirable properties in areas of resistance to chemical degradation, virtual neutral buoyancy (0.97), and increased capacity for composite bonding over competing nylon-based fibers, such as KEVLAR{reg_sign}. SPECTRA Shield{trademark}, a woven ballistic-resistant fabric using the SPECTRA{reg_sign} fiber, is presently the most effective ballistic-resistant component for both flexible and hard plate composite armors. THETA Technologies, Inc. identified a market need for a boot sole design that would measurably increase protection to the wearer without significantly degrading performance in other areas, such as flexibility and overall weight. THETA Technologies, Inc. proposed a nitrile rubber and SPECTRA{reg_sign} fiber matrix to produce an optimal boot sole. The objective of this CRADA effort was to develop and test a process for combining the SPECTRA{reg_sign} fiber, in both chopped fiber and SPECTRA Shield{trademark} form, within a semiflexible nitrile composite having desirable and marketable properties in areas of resistance to penetration and mechanical stress.
- Research Organization:
- AlliedSignal Federal Manufacturing and Technologies, Kansas City, MO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00613
- OSTI ID:
- 653949
- Report Number(s):
- KCP-613-5988; ON: DE97054103; CRN: C/ASKC--95KCP1022; TRN: AHC2DT05%%28
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Aug 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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