A soft body armour generally consists of multiple layers of high-performance fabrics and can provide protection according to BIS Level 1 and NIJ level III A (velocity up to 430 m/s). Lightweight soft armour has been developed with active support from the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Woven and unidirectional (UD) fabrics made from aramids, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabrics and laminates have been used in different configurations. To enhance the energy absorbing capacity, these fabrics have been treated with shear thickening fluids (STFs). Continuous efforts are being made to modify these STFs using graphene oxide, halloysite nanotubes, cellulose nanofibres, etc. as well. Four Indian patents have been granted in this area. Salient Features: o UHMWPE UD laminates and woven p-aramid structures incorporated with smart fluid o Stops 9×19 mm lead core bullet (speed 430 m·s-1) with maximum back face < 25 mm (BIS Level 1) o Protection area of 3800 cm2 covering full torso and areal density of 3.7 kg·m-2
Prof. Abhijit Majumdar, Prof. Bhupendra Singh Butola
IIT Campus, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110016 Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016