When body armor was first created, vests and other protective gear were typically heavy and limited in motion. These earl vests were typically made up of metal plates that were placed into pockets on the bullet proof vest.
As time went on, Kevlar and Spectra Shield would be introduced to the market. These special fibers would create a resistant yarn to make sheets of cloth that would be used to for form-fitting and comfortable bulletproof vests.
Scientists and manufacturers alike are constantly looking for the next big item – stronger and lighter materials. In this pursuit, new materials have been created for use in bulletproof vests.
Dyneema SB61
Several years ago, a company from the Netherlands called DSM created a new polymer that is much stronger than Kevlar. According to DSM, Dyneema SB61 is 40% stronger than Kevlar and 15 times stronger than steel. This new type of material is already being used by law enforcement personnel today for body armour purposes.
Carbon Nanotubes
Researchers have also been working with carbon nanotubes to create strong fibers that can be used to make protective gear. When these fibers are created, they are said to be 4 times stronger than spider-silk, 20 times stronger than steel wire and 17 times stronger than Kevlar. These fibers can also be used to create stronger materials for military personnel.
Colloidal Shear-Thickening Fluids
With standard bulletproof vests being created with dry fibers, there are some scientists who believe that injecting those fibers with a colloidal shear-thickening fluid because it will make the body armor even stronger.
These fluid-fibers are stronger because when the fabric undergoes stress, the fluid turns rigid in order to protect the body. In addition, since the material is stronger than traditional bulletproof vest materials, there are fewer layers that need to be used in order to allow for less restrictive movements.
As more and more products are created, it is important for you to consider the danger your current position posses. Each bulletproof vest that you look at will have a different rating that alerts you to the type of protection the body armor will afford you.
Performing research on the current types of bullet proof vests that are currently available will allow you the opportunity to compare the materials and protective capabilities each has to offer. Bulletproof vests are quickly becoming lighter and stronger.