High performance thermoplastic composite laminates and composite structures made therefrom

A fire resistant composite laminate comprising:

• a polymeric matrix material reinforced with fibers embedded in the matrix of the composite laminate, wherein the polymeric matrix material of the fire resistant composite laminate comprises at least one of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and polyetheramide (PEI).

A fire retardant ballistic panel comprising:

• a fire resistant composite laminate comprising:
• a fire resistant polymeric matrix material reinforced with fibers embedded in the matrix of the composite laminate, wherein the fire retardant ballistic panel achieves at least one protection level against a projectile as defined by NIJ Standard Armor grades II-A, II, III and IV when the projectile is directed at the panel.

A fire retardant ballistic panel having a first face and a second face and comprising:

• a strike face portion comprising a first plurality of plies each comprising fibers in a first polymeric matrix material comprising a first fire retardant resin;
• and
• a support portion adjacent to the strike face portion, the support portion comprising a second plurality of plies each comprising fibers in a second polymeric matrix material comprising a second fire retardant resin, wherein each ply is bound to an adjacent ply.