DuPont Announces New Kevlar Technology

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - June 16, 2008 The company says its new Kevlar XP can stop bullets within the first three layers of an 11-layer body armor vest, with the remaining layers absorbing the energy of the bullet. Company officials say that results in less of what is called "backface deformation," and thus less trauma to the wearer.

According to DuPont, Kevlar XP provides 15 percent less backface deformation and at least a 10 percent lighter weight vest design against one of the most challenging handgun threats, a .44-caliber Magnum bullet.

DuPont said Monday that the new Kevlar initially will be available to provide protection against handguns for law enforcement officers, but that it is working on other applications as well.