Ballistic nylon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ballistic nylon is a thick, tough, synthetic nylon fabric used for a variety of applications. Ballistic nylon was originally developed by the DuPont corporation as a material for flak jackets to be worn by World War II airmen. The term ballistic nylon takes its name from the fact that it was intended to protect its wearers from flying debris and shrapnel caused by bullet or artillery shell impacts. It was not an effective defense against most pistol or rifle rounds. Ballistic nylon was succeeded by Kevlar and other, more effective, bullet resistant fabrics.
Modern applications of ballistic nylon include luggage, cave packs, tool belts, police duty belts, motorcycle jackets, and skin-on-frame kayaks. Teams in the FIRST robotics competition also use this material for their bumpers.
Ballistic nylon is of a heavier weight than most nylons used in manufacturing: 18 oz (1050 denier). As it resists abrasion and tearing, it is typically used for luggage and in the bottom of bags made of a lighter nylon or other fabric.
