A novel approach to fabrication of polymer-based ballistic resistant materials with low areal density

Currently, adequate ballistic protection in optically transparent surface shields and transparent armor is provided either by thick sections of polymers, or by laminated sheets of polymer and glass. In both cases, the areal density is very high. For reasons explained in the proposal, efforts to date on the synthesis of transparent polymer nanocomposite materials, especially those based on polycarbonate, have met with limited success. However, nanocomposites do offer a solution because of the potential for improved mechanical properties (ballistic resistance, scratch and abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance) without compromising the optical clarity. We propose to build upon our current efforts in the area of polymer nanocomposite coatings and bulk materials to develop a novel approach to produce polymer-based ballistic resistant materials that have relatively low areal density. Thinner sections of the proposed material are expected to have the same ballistic performance as much thicker sections of the currently used materials, but exhibit superior abrasion and scratch resistance. The Phase I program will demonstrate the feasibility of synthesizing the materials to achieve the desired results. Relevant mechanical properties will be determined and compared to currently used materials. In addition, the microstructure of the materials will be characterized. A detailed comparison of the ballistic performance of the proposed materials with that of the state-of-the-art will be carried out in Phase II. Additionally, face shield panels will be fabricated and tested.