Impact-resisting composites

A composite comprising a substantially continuous matrix material selected from the group comprising thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers, plaster, cement, mortar, concrete and metals;

• in which is embedded a plurality of reinforcing elements of higher tensile strength than the matrix, which reinforcing elements are selected from the group comprising metallic filaments, ceramic filaments, polymeric filaments, boron filaments, vegetable fibers and twisted paper;
• each reinforcing element being separated from the matrix by a continuous helical wrapping means of flexible material which is bonded to the matrix and which is selected from the group comprising paper, metallic wire, metallic foil, polymeric film, polymeric filaments and ceramic fibers;
• the strength of the wrapping means being such that the wrapping means fails at a lower tensile load than the reinforcing element, and the construction and arrangement of said wrapping means being such when the composite is subjected to a tensile load along the axis of the reinforcing element, the wrapping means contracts onto the reinforcing element to thereby increase the interaction between the wrapping means and the reinforcing element until the point at which the wrapping means fractures, thereby permitting the reinforcing element to slip within the wrapping means.