Body armor plates are a central component of personal protection, designed to safeguard the wearer from threats ranging from bullets to knives to shrapnel. Body armor plates come in a variety of materials, with Ceramic and Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) being the premier composite choice.
This composite falls within the National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) Level III body armor plates and Level IV standards, known for providing superior protection against higher caliber threats. Moving forward, when we say ceramic + UHMWPE we are referring to ceramic composite body armor plates, which feature a combination of both ceramic and UHMWPE in combination to provide superior strength.
Ceramic + UHMWPE Body Armor Composite
Ceramic + UHMWPE body armor is a composite, meaning it combines a ceramic strike face with a UHMWPE backer.
This composition maximizes the advantages of both materials; the ceramic strike face effectively shatters incoming bullets, while the UHMWPE backer absorbs the residual energy, preventing penetration.
What are Ceramic + UHMWPE Body Armor Plates Made From?
These composite body armor plates are made from a ceramic face, composed of materials like Alumina, Silicon Carbide, or Boron Carbide, coupled with a backer made from UHMWPE. This blend of materials combines the hardness of ceramics with the toughness and light weight of UHMWPE.
Unique Properties of Ceramic + UHMWPE Components
At a scientific level, the ceramic component of the armor functions by shattering the bullet upon impact, thereby dispersing and absorbing a large part of the bullet’s kinetic energy. The UHMWPE backer then catches the shattered bullet fragments and further diffuses the remaining energy, preventing penetration.
Advantages of UHMWPE in Body Armor Plates
UHMWPE offers several advantages. Firstly, it has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making for lightweight body armor plates while maintaining high protection levels. UHMWPE is a highly resilient material, and when bonded to the ceramic easily catches fragments of the bullet and broken ceramic.
It is also very dense, making it very effective at absorbing the bullets’ energy. By itself, UHMWPE body armor is capable of achieving NIJ level III body armor plate rating, however, with thicker ceramic it can every aid the plate in achieving NIJ level IV which is rated to stop 30-06 armor piercing rounds.
Ceramic + UHMWPE Plates Vs Other Body Armor Plates
Other body armor plates on the market are made from a variety of materials, including pure ceramic, steel, and Kevlar, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. However, no combination of materials besides ceramic + UHMWPE have obtained an NIJ level IV rating.
Ceramic + UHMWPE vs. Ceramic Alone
Ceramic shatters upon impact, meaning pure ceramic by itself without some sort of backer is a dangerous idea. The composite structure of ceramic and UHMWPE makes for better bullet resistance while maintaining relative lightness.
Differences and Advantages of Ceramic + UHMWPE Vs. Ceramic Plates
Weight
Despite being slightly heavier than pure ceramic, the combination of ceramic and UHMWPE offers significantly lower weight than comparable steel options, making it more comfortable for prolonged wear.
Polyethylene Heat & Cold Capacity
The UHMWPE component offers superior heat and cold resistance compared to ceramic alone. This means it won’t degrade in extreme temperatures, maintaining performance in a variety of environments.
Durability & Density
Ceramic + UHMWPE body armor offers high durability and density compared to ceramic alone. UHMWPE adds toughness, increasing the armor’s resistance to blunt force impacts as the two are bonded together.
Ceramic + UHMWPE plates can stop high-velocity rounds better than ceramic alone. The addition of the UHMWPE backer also aids in shrapnel protection.
Cost Comparison & Value
While Ceramic + UHMWPE body armor typically has a higher price point than steel, it brings added value in terms of lighter weight, improved thermal resistance, increased durability, and enhanced bullet resistance.
Ceramic + UHMWPE vs. Steel Body Armor Plates
In comparison to steel body armor plates, ceramic + UHMWPE plates offer significant advantages, particularly in terms of weight, temperature resistance, and durability. Level IV ceramic + UHMWPE plates can also be made to NIJ level IV standards, stopping armor-piercing rounds.
Differences and Advantages of Ceramic + UHMWPE Vs. Steel Plates
Ceramic + UHMWPE plates can stop a broader range of ballistics than steel plates. While steel plates can be effective against lower velocity rounds, they are prone to spalling and fragmentation (where fragments from the bullet or the plate itself can cause injury). A fragmentation coating such as the one on ALL Tacticon Armament plates eliminates this threat, however, many companies will sell “Base coated” steel plates.
Weight
Ceramic + UHMWPE body armor can be made significantly lighter than steel plates, enhancing mobility and reducing wearer fatigue.
Polyethylene Heat & Cold Resistance
The UHMWPE in the composite offers superior heat and cold resistance compared to steel, which can be affected by temperature extremes.
Durability & Density
While steel plates are extremely durable, the composite of Ceramic + UHMWPE is very durable as well. It is important to handle body armor with care, however they are not as fragile as people make them out to be.
Cost Comparison & Value
Ceramic + UHMWPE body armor typically has a higher price point than steel, but with the added value of lighter weight, superior temperature resistance, and enhanced protection, it can be a worthy investment.
Ceramic + UHMWPE Body Armor Plates vs. Kevlar
Kevlar has long been a popular choice for soft body armor, which is what is often referred to as a bulletproof vest. However, UHMWPE is also used and now has surpassed Kevlar due to its higher strength-to-weight ratio. Soft armor cannot stop rifle rounds, that is where Ceramic + UHMWPE offers significant advantages over Kevlar in terms of protection levels, temperature resistance, and durability.
Differences and Advantages of Ceramic + UHMWPE Vs. Kevlar
The differences between ceramic + UHMWPE plates vs. Kevlar is they can stop higher velocity rounds than Kevlar, offering superior protection. Furthermore, while Kevlar struggles with moisture resistance, the UHMWPE component in the composite is not affected.
Weight
While Kevlar is lighter than Ceramic + UHMWPE, the latter offers superior protection levels, making it a better choice for scenarios with higher threat levels.
Polyethylene Heat & Cold Resistance
Unlike Kevlar, UHMWPE exhibits excellent resistance to both heat and cold, ensuring the performance of the armor isn’t compromised in extreme environments.
Durability & Density
Ceramic + UHMWPE body armor is more durable and offers a higher protection level than Kevlar, however the plates are more dense and thick making Kevlar a better choice for concealed body armor plates.
Cost Comparison & Value
While Kevlar is generally cheaper, Ceramic + UHMWPE offers better protection and durability, making it a better investment in the long run.
Ceramic + UHMWPE Body Armor Plates FAQ
Is ceramic good for body armor?
Yes, ceramic is an excellent material for body armor. Its hardness enables it to break up incoming bullets upon impact, significantly reducing its penetration capabilities. It’s particularly effective against armor-piercing and high-velocity rounds.
What is the strongest ceramic armor?
The strength of ceramic armor can vary depending on the specific ceramic material used. Some of the strongest include Boron Carbide, Silicon Carbide, and Alumina, with Boron Carbide often being cited as the hardest. Ceramic armor rated NIJ Level IV tested against 30-06 armor piercing is the highest rating armor can achieve.
How long do ceramic body armor plates last?
With proper care and barring any significant impact, ceramic body armor plates can last for five to seven years. However, any serious impact, such as being struck by a bullet, will necessitate replacement. Always consult your body armor manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
Is UHMWPE lighter than Kevlar?
Yes, UHMWPE is significantly lighter than Kevlar. It’s one of the lightest materials used in body armor, offering an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Is all level 4 armor ceramic?
Yes, all Level 4 armor is ceramic + UHMWPE, there is yet to be another method of armor manufacture that can achieve this rating.
Does ceramic body armor break?
Yes, ceramic body armor is designed to break upon impact as part of its mechanism to stop bullets. However, with a UHMWPE backing, the broken pieces are held in place and the armor can still provide protection. Does it break with improper handling? Sometimes, even though measures are taken to pad the ceramic it is possible to break it.
What are the disadvantages of ceramic plates?
The primary disadvantage of ceramic plates is their susceptibility to cracking or breaking upon hard impacts. They can also be heavier than some other materials, and they’re often more expensive than steel or Kevlar alternatives.
Does ceramic armor expire?
Ceramic armor does not “expire” in the traditional sense, but it does degrade over time or with heavy use. Regular inspections can help determine when a ceramic plate needs to be replaced.
What is better, Kevlar or ceramic?
Both Kevlar and ceramic have their advantages. Kevlar is lighter and more flexible, making it ideal for soft body armor. Ceramic offers protection against rifle rounds, which Kevlar will not. The choice between the two often comes down to the specific needs and threat assessment of the wearer.
Final Thoughts
Ceramic + UHMWPE body armor plates present a highly effective solution for personal protection. The combination of ceramic’s bullet-shattering properties and UHMWPE’s high strength-to-weight ratio and energy dispersion capabilities creates a body armor system that can handle a wide range of threats, from high-velocity rounds to armor-piercing ammunition. However, like any product, it comes with its own set of trade-offs, including weight, cost, and the need for replacement after significant impacts.
Ultimately, the right body armor for you will depend on your specific needs, the situations you anticipate encountering, and your personal comfort preferences. Ceramic + UHMWPE is just one of many body armor plate options available from Tacticon, each with its unique strengths and considerations. By assessing your personal needs, understanding the capabilities of different materials, and evaluating the available options, you can make an informed decision when it comes to your personal safety and the use of rifle protection body armor. The safety provided by body armor is truly invaluable.
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Tacticon Armament.
