CARBON NANOTUBE-REINFORCED FABRIC, ASSEMBLY AND RELATED METHODS OF MANUFACTURE

摘要

The present invention provides fabrics that have been embedded with nano- and micro-particles in a tunable gradient. This gradient, in turn, confers a gradient of mechanical and permeation properties. The gradient configuration results in a fabric that possesses increased flexibility and reduced weight relative to its protective properties as compared to untreated fabric and other commercially available fabrics. The treated fabric may be used to produce a composite that comprises one or more layers of treated fabric bonded to either side of a sheet of elastomeric material. Such composites may be used to produce protective body armor. Methods of manufacturing the treated fabric are also provided.

主权项

1. A projectile-resistant fabric comprising:
a first layer of fabric, wherein the first layer of fabric comprises
at least one of fibers, yarns or tow; andwherein the first layer of fabric has an exterior-facing surface and an interior-facing surface; andan amount of carbon nanostructures on the exterior-facing surface and an amount of carbon nanostructures on the interior-facing surface, wherein the interstitia of the first layer of fabric is embedded with the carbon nanostructures, and wherein the amount of carbon nanostructures on the exterior-facing surface is greater than the amount of carbon nanostructures on the interior-facing surface.