Effect of mechanical properties of UHMWPE composite on its bulletproof performance

The effect of mechanical properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites on their bulletproof performance is still insufficient understanding. This is attributed to the thermoplastic matrix and unidirectional orthogonal structure, which complicate the investigation of mechanical behaviors in UHMWPE composites. This paper introduces a characterization method for the mechanical behavior of UHMWPE composites using specialized fixture and sample designs, while also revealing failure mechanisms through detailed multiscale damage morphology. For the first time, the relationship between mechanical properties and bulletproof performance was explored. The resistance to penetration is strongly associated with axial tensile, mode I delamination, and out-of-plane shear properties, yet it exhibits a bilinear relationship with mode II delamination properties. The anti-penetration performance of UHMWPE composite is mainly determined by the coupling of its in-plane axial tensile property and interlaminar interface property. This research offers a new perspective for deducing the bulletproof performance of UHMWPE composites based on their mechanical properties.