A review of recent research on materials used in polymer–matrix composites for body armor application

The development of personal protection systems with improved ballistic performance and reduced weight has received a great interest in the last decade with the unfortunate ever-increasing threats and conflicts. In this review, the ordinarily polymeric fibers used in body armors manufacturing were first reported, then some nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene with advanced structural and mechanical properties, as well as their potential reinforcement of armor composites were investigated through some recent studies available in the literature. Additionally, natural fibers integrated into multilayered armor systems, and ballistic tests which endorse their future importance were also cited. This short review which sheds light on novel materials used in personal armor systems, a specific and an important topic that was not previously reviewed, aims to provide to the new researchers, engineers and manufactures in this field some guidelines about what are the promising materials that can be used in order to construct the ultimate body armors of the future.