1. White phosphorus bomb: military use and characteristics
White phosphorus bomb is a highly inflammable chemical weapon. White phosphorus is extremely easy to burn in the air, produces high temperature, and releases highly toxic smoke. The killing effect of this weapon is not only reflected in the high temperature, but also can bring psychological pressure to the target, forcing the enemy to evacuate or transfer. The application of white phosphorus bombs is mainly to interfere, illuminate or cause severe burns.
However, white phosphorus bombs are strictly restricted internationally. The Geneva Convention classifies it as a prohibited weapon unless used for lighting purposes. The threat of white phosphorus to soldiers and civilians has prompted people to study how to reduce the harm of this weapon.
2. Research and development of protective fabrics
Protective fabrics in modern military equipment, especially bulletproof fabrics, have become an important part of the military and law enforcement departments. Common protective materials include Kevlar, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), etc. These materials have good impact resistance and puncture resistance.
Kevlar: This aramid fiber is known for its high tensile strength and light weight. It has been widely used in equipment such as bulletproof vests, stab-proof vests and blast-proof blankets.
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE): This material has excellent strength and toughness, while being lightweight, and is another mainstream choice for modern bulletproof materials.
Modern protective fabrics must not only withstand ballistic threats, but also have other properties, such as fire resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, and even radiation resistance. These additional functions are essential to protect combatants from special threats such as white phosphorus and chemicals.
3. How do protective fabrics resist the damage of white phosphorus bombs?
The high temperature and chemically corrosive smoke produced by white phosphorus bombs put forward new requirements for protective equipment. Traditional bulletproof fabrics have certain limitations in dealing with high temperatures. Therefore, the development of composite protective fabrics that can withstand high temperatures and have bulletproof functions has become one of the key research directions.
Composite material applications: In order to increase the high temperature resistance of fabrics, modern protective fabrics can add ceramic materials, glass fibers and special heat-resistant coatings to the structure. This type of material can absorb and isolate high temperatures when white phosphorus burns, protecting the internal fiber structure from being burned.
Multilayer structure design: bulletproof and fire-resistant materials are stacked in multiple layers to form a "bulletproof-fire-resistant" double-layer or even multi-layer composite structure. The outer fire-resistant layer can isolate high temperatures in a short period of time and protect the inner bulletproof fiber.
Surface coating technology: Fireproof or chemical-resistant coating treatment of protective fabrics can effectively improve the fabric's resistance to white phosphorus attacks. This coating must not only be able to withstand high temperatures, but also have strong chemical stability to cope with the toxic smoke produced by white phosphorus.