Top Reasons Why The Military Use Plastic Body Armor Plates

The most widely used type of plastic in modern society is ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Simply put, polyethylene is a fancy term for plastic. It is the material of choice for producing body armor plates because it is also the thermoplastic with the highest durability rating. In addition to being chemically inert, self-lubricating, and impact-resistant, it has a resistance to abrasion that is fifteen times greater than that of carbon steel. 

When you fire a bullet at a plastic body armor plate, it spins, making UHMWPE an ideal material for body armor plates. This whirling motion generates friction when it strikes protective clothing. The bullet can only reach a melting point of the polyethylene with sufficient friction. The polyethylene captures the bullet as it melts, then hardens again as it cools to stop the projectile in its tracks.

Advantages of Plastic Body Armor Plates

• Body armor plates made of UHMWPE have the lightest weight among other options. 
• In terms of its resistance to chemical attack, this armor plate is superior to all others. The plastic body armor plate ensures that even in the event of a chemical attack or spill, your armor will remain undamaged. Polyethylene will also shield the wearer from the potentially dangerous effects that chemicals could cause. 
• UHMWPE is a remarkable material because of its self-lubricating qualities. The lubricating feature indicates that the armor generates a lower level of friction when coming into touch with other surfaces. The armor no longer restricts movement and is designed to endure significantly longer than one made of ceramic or steel. 
• It is resistant to being fractured or deflected by multiple rounds, and it does not lose any effectiveness. 

The most significant disadvantage of Plastic Body Armor Plates is that UHMWPE is a premium material that comes with a price tag higher than that of ceramic as well as steel.

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