| abstract |
The present invention provides an improved article of manufacture which comprises at least one network of high strength, extended chain fiber or yarn selected from the group consisting of extended chain polyethylene (ECPE) extended chain polypropylene (ECPP) fibers, extended chain polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber and extended chain polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber. The fibers and yarn have a denier of not more than about 500 and a tensile modulus of at least about 200 g/denier. The fibers and yarn preferably have a tensile modulus of at least about 500 grams/denier and an energy-to-break of at least about 22 Joules/gram. Optionally, a low modulus elastomeric material, which has a tensile modulus of less than about 6,000 psi, measured at about 23° C., substantially coats the fiber and yarn of the network. |