Fibres, textiles and protective apparel

Consideration is given to all applications of textiles for personal protection against high-speed ballistic impacts and blast debris. The comparative advantages and disadvantages of a wide selection of synthetic and natural high-strength fibres are considered in detail. These fibres are then made into fabrics, either directly as non-wovens, or in yarn form as woven or knitted structures. These fabrics are then considered as multi-layered assemblies, as commonly used in ballistic vests, with reference also made to the problems of protection against stab, spike and slash. The incorporation of different constructions needed for protective garments emphasizes the compromises needed between necessary levels of protection for a given threat, against the need for adequate comfort as assessed in terms of total garment weight, the need for thermal and moisture management and fitness-for-purpose (optimal mobility).