Abstract:

A comprehensive study was performed using the Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (PACVD) modification of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibrous composites and paramid fabrics with the deposition of fluoro-or silane-like-polymer onto their surface. Research on the resistance to fragments was performed on the basis of our own testing procedure elaborated on the basis of the STANAG 2920 Ballistic Test Method For Personal Armour Materials And Combat Clothing, revision 2. The model insert systems made of the modified or unmodified unwoven sheets of UHMWPE fibres exhibited significantly different trends of changes in fragment-proofness when the temperature together with humidity were applied as the ageing factors. In the inserts made of modified unwoven sheets, an increase in the V50 value was observed, while the V50 of the inserts made of unmodified sheets decreased along with the extension of the accelerated ageing process. Modification with low-temperature plasma in the presence of vapours of low-molecular fluorine- or silane-genic substrates altered the properties of the fabrics and unwoven sheets. PACVD modification allows to prevent the destructive influence of humidity during the aging process.