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Why is ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene used in bulletproof vests?
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major industrial polymers
Figure 1: The linear form of polyethylene, known as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
Ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is utilized in bulletproof vests due to its exceptional physical properties derived from its massive molecular weight, which ranges from 3 million to 6 million atomic units.12
When these polymers are spun into fibers and subsequently drawn or stretched, they achieve a highly crystalline state. This process results in a material characterized by high stiffness and a tensile strength that is many times greater than that of steel. Because of this superior strength-to-weight ratio, yarns produced from these fibers can be woven into protective gear capable of stopping projectiles.12