Bullet-proof fabric makes impact

The fabric can absorb the impact of an explosion

Fabric which can stop bullets and help make car parts easier to recycle has been created by a company in Angus.

Don & Low has been awarded a £144,000 research grant from Scottish Enterprise to develop the new textile.

Self-reinforced polypropylene (srPP) is used in ballistics, aircraft and vehicle manufacturing, as well as insulation for new buildings.

The product is expected to increase sales at the Forfar-based company by more than £2m a year.

The fabric is made from layers of woven strips, which are fused at the edges, which makes it extremely strong and light.

Don & Low's development manager told the BBC Scotland news website the product had a variety of uses.

David Avril said: "The main interest is from ballistics, because the fabric can absorb the impact from blasts and shrapnel.

The textile is also used in house building materials

"We are getting interest from the military, with the situation in Iraq, but also from private individuals for personal protection because people want reinforced cars."

The fabric is also used as a substitute for metal components in aeroplanes, which saves fuel on take-off.

It can be made into car bumpers, which are presently filled with glass fibre and cannot be recycled.

In addition, the textile is one of a "new generation" of fabrics used in the construction industry.

It offers wind protection on building sites and can also be used for heat insulation in the home.

It has also been made into non-slip roof tile underlay fabrics, which can be used as part of a safety system.

Mr Avril said researchers were now trying to find other uses for the fabric.

He added: "We have the material produced in 2D and 3D shapes and we are now looking at its behaviour and modifying properties."