| abstract |
A textile article having improved ballistic-resistance contains multiple layers of a cut-resistant fabric, wherein the cut-resistant fabric is formed from at least one cut-resistant fiber, the cut-resistant fiber being formed from a blend containing: (i) at least one fiber-forming polymer and (ii) an effective amount of at least one hard filler having a Mohs Hardness value of at least about 3.0. Alternatively, a cut-resistant sheat/core fiber may be used comprising a core formed from polymer/filler blend and polymer sheat. In addition to having improved ballistic-resistance, the textile article is also flexible, lightweight and highly mobile and can be composed of relatively inexpensive materials. The ballistic-resistant textile article is used to provide ballistic-protection to a designated site, which is preferably a portion of the human body, e.g., the heart and/or lungs. The ballistic-resistant textile article can be in the form of protective garments (e.g., vests), automobile door panels, aircraft padding, helmets, briefcases, and the like. |