The purpose of the research discussed in this article is to explore the possibility of creating hybrid soft ballistic panel (BP) package variants by integrating into their composition layers of graphene-modified para-aramid fabrics in combinations with the different ballistic Kevlar textiles to improve the durability of the first layers of the soft ballistic panel. To address this goal, the liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE) method was used for integrating dispersions into composites to solve a number of topical problems in the stages of the technological sequence development of processing methods and optimizing processing parameters in accordance with the processing specifics of aramid textiles to achieve the desired properties of modified ballistic fabric, including the provision of coating adhesion to the surface to be modified. To test the results, ballistic experiments were performed and the back-face signature (BFS) of bullet impact on a backing material was analysed according to standards. Bullet impacts on the first ballistic protective fabric layers were also studied.

The process where pristine graphite is subjected to a solvent treatment seems simple and scalable and has attracted the attention of researchers over many years. However, for successful exfoliation, overcoming the van der Waals attractions between the adjacent layers of graphite is necessary. Over time, several methods have been created to overcome the attraction between layers. Graphene’s liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) occurs due to the strong interactions between the solvent molecules and the basal planes of graphite, overcoming the energetic resistance to exfoliation and subsequent dispersion. Ultra sonication used for exfoliation can produce single or few layered graphene flakes. During sonication the sound waves propagate through liquid medium in alternating high- and low-pressure cycles, strong mechanical and thermal energy released by acoustic cavitation results in splitting up large particles into fine ones and dispersing them. Simultaneous insertion of solvent and/or intercalation molecules in between the graphite layers takes place supporting graphite separation into graphene layers. ; The dispersion capacity of graphene flakes depends on how appropriate the solvent properties are to the corresponding properties of graphene, such as surface tension, Hildebrand, and Hansen solubility parameters. Only certain solvents can disperse graphene well and form a dispersion appropriate for specific future applications. In addition, after exfoliation by ultra sonication graphene flakes aggregation due to the van der Waals attractions must be overcome to prepare in long-term stable dispersions of nanometres-size graphene sheets. ; The research has focused on the preparation of stable dispersion ready for transfer without intermediate processes to the Kevlar fabrics. An experimental comparison of the potentials of the 4 solvents for the application resulted in three corresponding to the intended use, two of them examined in detail, supplementing the composition of the LPE liquid medium with triethanolamine to obtain sufficient performance graphene coverage on Kevlar textile fibres.