Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Impact Resistance

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic8265.aspx

By TheRetroChief - 10/29/2013 4:46:19 PM

Greetings.

I am looking to develop a prototype for a new type of sportswear. Impact protection is an important element of my design. I was looking for some kind of material to be on the exterior of my apparel. If this material could itself provide some modicum of protection itself, then that would be a bonus. I came across your site while searching for carbon fibre look fabric or cloth, as I was only thinking from an aesthetics point of view. But if there is something that not only looks like I want but also has a practical use, then all the better. 

What would you recommend? Most of my impact protection is dealt with elsewhere, but my apparel would be subjected to kicks. Naturally the fabric would need to be flexible, durable and breathable. Also, washable would be nice.

Cheers,
Alasdair
By Dravis - 10/31/2013 11:56:52 PM

This would very much depend on what kind of level of flexibility and perhaps "breathability"you would like in this "carbonfibre-look" outer layer.

I made a set of custom footie "shin-pads/protectors" from one layer of  Twaron outer- and two layers of kevlar -- I laminated this with EC's flexible Resin, for the first pair, and actually found it to be too soft and flexible....   I added an inner layer of pure heavy kevlar cloth, and that did the trick.. My daughter now has the coolest set of shin-protectors on her football team ..  BigGrin

I do not think you could make softer fabrics from the normal reinforcement fabrics used in composites, but something like a pure black Diolene or Diolene and Twaron mix (if that exists) might be usable..  Dyneema works very well, and is soft and very strong. but the sort I have is shiny white satin weave....