Development of a high-density nonwoven structure to improve the stab resistance of protective clothing material.

Development of a high-density nonwoven structure to improve the stab resistance of protective clothing material.
Ind Health. 2017 Oct 05;:
Authors: Bao L, Wang Y, Baba T, Fukuda Y, Wakatsuki K, Morikawa H
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to enhance the stab resistance of protective clothing material by developing a new high-density nonwoven structure. Ice picks often injure Japanese police officers due to the strict regulation of swords in the country. Consequently, this study was designed to improve stab resistance against ice picks. Most existing anti-stab protective clothing research has focused on various fabrics impregnated with resin, an approach that brings with it problems of high cost and complicated processing. Seldom has research addressed the potential for improving stab resistance by using nonwoven structures, which exhibit better stab resistance than fabric. In this research, we prepared a series of nonwoven structures with densities ranging from about 0.14 g/cm(3) to 0.46 g/cm(3) by varying the number of stacked layers of Kevlar/polyester nonwoven under a hot press. We then proposed two methods for producing such hot-press nonwovens: the multilayer hot-press method and the monolayer hot-press method. Stab resistance was evaluated according to NIJ Standard-0115.00. We also investigated the relationship among nonwoven density, stab resistance, and flexural rigidity, and here we discuss the respective properties ...

Source: Industrial Health - October 7, 2017 Category: Occupational Health Tags: Ind Health Source Type: research