Abstract
Knife is the most commonly used single weapon in the UK, being 32% of the weapons employed in violent incidents. Studies reveal that the majority (63.3%) of the knife inflicted wounds were slash type and could be disfiguring or life threatening if the blood vessels are ruptured. The stab resistant armours currently available do not protect the arms, neck and face as they are very rigid to be worn comfortably and are expensive and heavy for everyday use by the civilian population. The main objectives of this research programme are; a) to develop and characterise a novel cut resistant and slash proof material that is lightweight, comfortable and efficient; and b) to integrate barrier properties in such garments which would incorporate suitable antimicrobial and other suitable chemicals to provide protection against a range of micro organisms.
During this research programme, various composite yarns were thoroughly investigated, at different proportions, to determine the most appropriate yarn for the slash proof material. The slash proof fabric structures were developed by using knitting technology as it offers significant advantages in terms of cost, design flexibility and versatility. The fabrics were characterised by using the most stringent test method stipulated for a slash proof application, namely, Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) Slash Resistance Standard for UK Police (2006), Publication No. 48/05.
The paper discusses the results obtained during the development of the novel slash proof material for the police, armed forces, children and the public, that is lightweight, comfortable and efficient, and can be utilised for long periods.