Composite Panels for Anti-Ballistic Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ballistic-resistant composite panels have limitations in energy absorption and delamination resistance, which can be improved for enhanced performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of a composite panel structure with layers of thermoplastic polymer tapes, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, and a specific random copolymer adhesive with a density between 860 and 930 kg/m3, applied in a way that optimizes the balance between energy absorption and delamination resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional adhesives (polyamide, ethyl vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene-isoprene block copolymers) are used in ballistic-resistant panels, then the panels show satisfactory performance, but energy absorption and delamination resistance can be improved further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the adhesive by specifying a random copolymer of ethylene or propylene and C2 to C12 α-olefin co-monomers with a density of 860-930 kg/m3. This parameter change optimizes both delamination resistance and energy absorption, resolving the contradiction by finding the optimal point where both properties are enhanced simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite adhesive system combining thermoplastic polymer tapes (UHMWPE, polyamide, polyester) with a specifically formulated copolymer adhesive. This composite material approach allows the adhesive to achieve both high delamination resistance through the tape-laminated structure and high energy absorption through the copolymer's molecular structure.
2Reliability
If more adhesive is applied to improve delamination resistance, then bonding strength increases, but panel weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the adhesive density parameter to 860-930 kg/m3, which provides high bonding strength and delamination resistance while maintaining lower weight compared to traditional adhesives. This parameter optimization allows achieving reliable bonding with reduced material quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies adhesive in specific amounts (0.2-15 g/m2 per side) rather than uniformly maximizing adhesive application. This local quality approach ensures sufficient bonding at critical interfaces while minimizing overall adhesive quantity and panel weight.
3Reliability
If higher density adhesive materials are used to improve bonding, then delamination resistance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a density range (860-930 kg/m3) for the copolymer adhesive that balances bonding strength with manufacturability. This parameter specification ensures the adhesive is processable with conventional equipment while achieving high delamination resistance, avoiding the need for complex manufacturing processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly enhances the antiballistic performance by maintaining high energy absorption while reducing delamination, even in hot environments, at a lower weight and cost compared to traditional panels.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive in contact with said layer, whereby the amount of the adhesive in contact with one side of the at least one layer is between 0.2 and 15 g/m2
Implementation Method 2
Such composite panels are known from EP 2379324 A2. This publication discloses ballistic-resistant panels comprising a plurality of bonded, interleaved and angularly disposed layers of polyethylene tape
Data Source
AI summary
Composite panel comprising at least one layer containing at least one tape comprising a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylonitriles, polyamides or polyketone, wherein the tape has a tensile strength of at least 1.2 GPa and an areal density of between 5 and 150 g/m2, and an adhesive in contact with said layer, whereby the amount of the adhesive in contact with one side of the at least one layer is between 0.2 and 15 g/m2, wherein the adhesive is a plastomer wherein said plastomer is a random copolymer of ethylene or propylene and one or more C2 to C12 a-olefin co-monomers and wherein said plastomer has a density as measured according to 1801183 of between 860 and 930 kg/m3. In a preferred embodiment the tape comprises an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The composite panel is used in a ballistic resistant article.