DEVELOPMENT OF AN ADVANCED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT GARMENT FOR PROTECTION AGAINST SLASHES

Knife is the most commonly used single weapon in the UK, being 32% of the weapons employed in violent incidents. The use of a knife during a crime has more than doubled in the past two years from 25,500 to 64,000. Studies reveal that the majority (63.3%) of the knife inflicted wounds were slash type and could be disfiguring or life threatening if the blood vessels are ruptured. The stab resistant armours currently available do not protect the arms, neck and face as they are very rigid to be worn comfortably and are expensive and heavy for everyday use by the civilian population. The main objectives of this research programme are; a) to develop and characterise a novel cut resistant and slash proof material that is lightweight, comfortable and efficient; and b) to integrate barrier properties in such garments which would incorporate suitable antimicrobial and other suitable chemicals to provide protection against a range of viruses known as prokaryotes. Various composite yams consisting of, a) blends of Spectra (R)) (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), glass and polyamide; b) stainless steel core with wraps of Dyneema (R) (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) and polyester; and c) Kevlar (R), in different compositions, were thoroughly investigated to determine the most appropriate yam for the slash proof material. The slash proof fabric structures were developed by using knitting technology as it offers significant advantages in terms of cost, design flexibility and versatility. The fabrics were characterised by using the most stringent test method stipulated for a slash proof application, namely, Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) Slash Resistance Standard for UK Police (2006), Publication No. 48/05. The paper discusses the results obtained to date during this research programme which highlight the novelty of the slash proof material for the police, armed forces, children and the public, that is lightweight, comfortable and efficient, and can be utilised for long periods.