Bulletproof vests are mainly made of high-performance fibers, ceramics, and metals. Depending on the type of protection, they can be divided into soft, hard, and composite bulletproof vests.
Soft Bulletproof Vests: Primarily made of high-performance fibers. These vests are lightweight and flexible, suitable for everyday concealment, and are mainly used to protect against handgun bullets and shrapnel.
Kevlar: An aramid fiber developed by DuPont, it is 5 times stronger than steel and has only 1/5 the density, exhibiting excellent tensile strength. However, it is sensitive to water and ultraviolet light, and its lifespan is generally 3-5 years.
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE): Also known as the "king of fibers," it has a specific strength up to 15 times that of steel, is lighter and more wear-resistant than Kevlar, and has become the mainstream soft bulletproof material. China has achieved large-scale production of this material, and it was included in export controls in 2024.
Uniform Fiber Armor (UD Fabric): Made by unidirectionally aligning fibers and curing with resin, it is one of the strongest and lightest bulletproof materials currently available, reducing weight by 20%-30% compared to traditional aramid.
Hard/Composite Bulletproof Vest: Ceramic + Fiber Structure. Used to protect against high-velocity rifle bullets, commonly seen in military and police operations.
Ceramic Plates: Made of boron carbide, silicon carbide, or alumina ceramic sheets, approximately 25 mm thick. Upon impact, the ceramic shatters, absorbing most of the kinetic energy.
Backing Layer:Typically uses Kevlar or UHMWPE fiber composite materials to absorb remaining energy and reduce blunt force trauma (backface signature).
This "ceramic + fiber" structure effectively protects against 7.62 mm armor-piercing rounds, meeting NIJ Level IV protection standards.
