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The Effect of Folding on the Mechanical Properties and Internal Structures of Fibers Used in Ballistic Applications
Published
Author(s)
Haruki Kobayashi, Walter G. McDonough, Hae-Jeong Lee, Jae H. Kim, Amanda L. Forster, Kirk D. Rice, Gale A. Holmes
Abstract
The failure of a first responder's soft body armor (SBA) composed of poly (p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers has prompted researchers to assess the long-term durability and effectiveness of current and future SBA products. Based on existing data, suspicion for the failure of this SBA fell on the hydrolytic degradation of the fiber. However, in follow-up ballistic tests, no threat level projectiles passed through a hydrolytically-aged SBA. Therefore, other possible degradation mechanisms such as folding have been considered. In this study, the effects of folding were investigated as one of the possible degradation methods.
Kobayashi, H.
, McDonough, W.
, Lee, H.
, Kim, J.
, Forster, A.
, Rice, K.
and Holmes, G.
(2011),
The Effect of Folding on the Mechanical Properties and Internal Structures of Fibers Used in Ballistic Applications, THe Society of Fiber Science, Japan, Tokyo, JP, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=908298
(Accessed October 8, 2025)