Novel formulations of ballistic gelatin. 1. Rheological properties

• Ballistic gelatins for human body simulants were synthesized.
• Glutaraldehyde addition as crosslinking agent increases composites temperature stability.
• Dimethylpolysiloxane employment decreases materials biodegradation potential.

Ballistic gelatin is the simulant of the human body during field tests in forensics and other related fields, due to its physical and mechanical similarities to human trunk and organs. Since the ballistic gelatin used in present has important issues to overcome, an alternative approach is the use of gelatin–polymer composites, where a key factor is the insertion of biocompatible materials, which replicate accurately the human tissues. In order to be able to obtain an improved material in terms of mechanical performances by an easy industrial-scale technology, before the verification of the ballistic parameters by shooting in agreement with military standards, one of the best and cheapest solutions is to perform a thorough check of their rheological properties, in standard conditions.