Ballistic performance of front-facing fluoropolymer-coated armor composites

We report an increase in penetration resistance of front-facing fluorinated polymer coatings applied to hardened steel substrates. The study included monolithic and laminate configurations and examined their ability to improve the ballistic penetration resistance of selected substrates. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings substantially improved the V-50 performance and outperformed similar polymer-coated armor composites for thicker coating layers. The thickness and hardness of steel substrates, polymer layer thickness, and cumulative number of laminates collectively influenced the mass efficiency. Since PTFE is a crystalline material that, unlike previously tested polyurea and other elastomers, does not undergo an impact-induced phase transition, its high performance suggests that this material resists flow during impact and, subsequently, reduces the strain imparted to the substrate. The fluoropolymer offers a lightweight and simple solution to enhance ballistic armor systems.