Ballistic Helmet Development Using UHMWPE Fibrous Materials

The main aim of the work was to develop a hybrid bulletand fragment proof helmet protecting the user’s head against small arm ammunition and fragments as well as mechanical impacts. In the construction of the shell, the latest generation of ballistic materials were used, developed on the basis of para-amide fabric coated with a thermosetting resin and high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The idea of the study was based on the thesis that the stable connection of two types of fibrous materials differing in their structure, topography as well as in the type of the polymer (para-aramid and polyethylene) will increase the ballistic resistance as well as allow to reduce the mass of the final products. The results of research in the field of the screening of fibrous materials, the process of elaboration as well as the design of bulletand fragment-proof hybrid helmets are also presented. The ballistic helmets designed were verified within the wide scope of requirements described in PN-V-87001:2011 as well as in the NIJ Standards.