Numerical and Experimental Investigations on Inter-yarn Friction in UHMWPE Fabrics Subjected to Ballistic Impact

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fiber is popular used in military for ballistic protection owing to its low density but high modulus and high tensity. However, the inter-yarn friction in the corresponding ballistic fabric is too low, result in the yarn in the fabric being easily pulled out and thus lowering down the ballistic performance. This paper aims to improve the inter-yarn friction in the fabric by sol-gel method using TiO2/ZnO hydro-sols. The results from the coefficient of friction test have showed that the inter-yarn friction treated with TiO2/ZnO hydro-sol can be increased 40%. Moreover, the tensile test indicates that the tenacity of the yarn after different treatments are increased whereas the strain and modulus of the yarn almost kept unaffected. The weight increase after treatment is lower than 10%. The FE simulation results showed that the total energy absorption of the fabric increases by over 50% from CSF and CKF (0,0) to CSF and CKF (0.6,0.55). Moreover, the response of the fabric changes from a localized one to a more globalized one.