Advances in ballistic and impact-resistant composite fabrics: A review

Abstract

This review critically examines the ballistic performance and impact resistance of composite fabrics, with a particular focus on their role in next-generation protective systems. While previous work has focused on general ballistic materials, relatively few studies have provided a systematic and integrated synthesis that links material selection, structural design parameters, and recent nanotechnology improvements. This work addresses this gap by offering a comprehensive classification of composite fabric configurations, considering key factors such as fiber types, fabric architecture, thickness, stacking sequence, and layer orientation. The influence of these parameters on deformation behavior, failure mechanisms, and energy absorption efficiency is discussed in detail. It also evaluates standardized testing methods, current reference benchmarks, and limitations of current testing protocols. Recent advances, including high-strength fibers, hybrid architectures, and multifunctional material interactions, are analyzed to highlight emerging trends and unresolved challenges. By organizingrecent progress within a unified analytical framework, this review offers researchers, engineers, and practitioners actionable insights for the design and optimization of advanced ballistic impact materials. Furthermore, it outlines key research gaps and future directions, particularly in the areas of multifunctional integration, lightweight design, and improved predictive modeling for high-strain-rate impact conditions.