Upcoming material innovations to address calls for lighter life protection solutions

29-Oct-13

The performance and endurance of military, law enforcement and security personnel have always been affected by the weight of their gear. Today, however, major trends are intensifying the impact of weight and underscoring the urgent need for new, lighter materials that can deliver top protective performance combined with usability. Multiple global government initiatives are underway to reduce the weight of personal protective equipment for soldiers. DSM Dyneema, the manufacturer of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE) fiber, branded as Dyneema®, and world leader in life protection materials and high performance fibers, sees the adoption of next-generation lighter material technologies as an important part of the answer. This view is supported by experts, who predict the use of UHMwPE materials in body and vehicle protection will show double-digit growth in the next five years. Dyneema® UHMwPE materials provide top ballistic performance combined with light weight and flexibility for enhanced comfort and agility for the body armor. Inherently, the fiber is 40% lighter than competitive materials yet offers exceptional ballistic protection as well as excellent resistance to moisture and chemicals.