High-Velocity Impact Performance of Ballistic Fabric Using Core-Spun Compound Yarns

In this paper, the usage of core-spun compound yarns in ballistic fabric to improve ballistic performance is considered, as with the use of core-spun compound yarns, the yarn friction inside the fabric is enhanced, and, therefore, the energy absorption capability of the fabric is expected to increase. Three types of fabric were developed and compared. F_a refers to a woven type made with 100% Kevlar^® filament yarns. F_b was woven with core-spun compound aramid yarns, which were made of Kevlar^® filament yarns spun with staple aramid fiber. F_c was woven with core-spun compound polyester yarns, which were made of Kevlar^® filament yarns spun with staple polyester fiber. There were two main purposes for comparing these types. The first was to confirm if the ballistic performance could be improved with the usage of core-spun compound yarns instead of pure filament yarns. The second was to investigate if different compositions of spun fiber would influence ballistic performance. The research results are positive and quite interesting. They show that the usage of core-spun compound yarn could indeed help to increase ballistic performance and that core-spun compound aramid yarns are better than core-spun compound polyester yarns in this function. The research was carried out using both ballistic tests and FEA models.