Natural Mallow Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composite for Ballistic Armor Against Class III-A Ammunition
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Natural Mallow Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composite for Ballistic Armor Against Class III-A Ammunition LUCIO FABIO CASSIANO NASCIMENTO, LUANE ISQUERDO FERREIRA HOLANDA, LUIS HENRIQUE LEME LOURO, SERGIO NEVES MONTEIRO, ALAELSON VIEIRA GOMES, and E´DIO PEREIRA LIMA Jr. Epoxy matrix composites reinforced with up to 30 vol pct of continuous and aligned natural mallow fibers were for the first time ballistic tested as personal armor against class III-A 9 mm FMJ ammunition. The ballistic efficiency of these composites was assessed by measuring the dissipated energy and residual velocity after the bullet perforation. The results were compared to those in similar tests of aramid fabric (Kevlarä) commonly used in vests for personal protections. Visual inspection and scanning electron microscopy analysis of impact-fractured samples revealed failure mechanisms associated with fiber pullout and rupture as well as epoxy cracking. As compared to Kevlarä, the mallow fiber composite displayed practically the same ballistic efficiency. However, there is a reduction in both weight and cost, which makes the mallow fiber composites a promising material for personal ballistic protection. DOI: 10.1007/s11661-017-4264-x Ó The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2017
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INTRODUCTION
WEAPONRY development since World War II has increased the demand for lighter and more efficient ballistic armor. In particular, more efficient personal vests were developed to protect armed forces involving both military soldiers and policemen.[1] For military applications, the basic requirements of a ballistic vest are both lightness to assure mobility and impact resistance to prevent perforation.[2] Presently, the worldwide weaponry race is increasing the projectile potential for perforation and, as a consequence, leading to stronger armors. A monolithic armor, like a plain steel plate,[3] might not provide enough protection unless with enough thickness to avoid perforation. In this case, the lightness and portability of a personal armor is compromised. The solution is to use materials lighter than metals, such as ceramics and polymers. Strong synthetic polymer materials have been traditionally applied in vests for personal ballistic protection.[4] Among them, the most currently used are the aramid fabric laminate composite, commercially available as Kevlarä from
LUCIO FABIO CASSIANO NASCIMENTO, LUANE ISQUERDO FERREIRA HOLANDA, LUIS HENRIQUE LEME LOURO, SERGIO NEVES MONTEIRO, ALAELSON VIEIRA GOMES, and E´DIO PEREIRA LIMA Jr. are with the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Military Institute of Engineering IME, Prac¸a General Tibu´rcio, 80, Praia Vermelha, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-270, Brazil. Contact e-mail: [email protected] Manuscript submitted January 9, 2017.
METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS TRANSACTIONS A
Dupont,[5,6] and the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), as Dyneemaä from DSM.[4,7] Undoubtedly, the ballistic performance for individual safety is the major requirement of an armor vest material. However,
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