Abstract

Even though natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) have been widely used in automotive and building industries, there is still a room to promote them to high-level structural applications such as primary structural component specifically for bullet proof and ballistic applications. The promising performance of Kevlar fabrics and aramid had widely implemented in numerous ballistic and bullet proof applications including for bullet proof helmets, vest, and other armor parts provides an acceptable range of protection to soldiers. However, disposal of used Kevlar products would affect the disruption of the ecosystem and pollutes the environment. Replacing the current Kevlar fabric and aramid in the protective equipment with natural fibers with enhanced kinetic energy absorption and dissipation has been significant effort to upgrade the ballistic performance of the composite structure with green and renewable resources. The vast availability, low cost and ease of manufacturing of natural fibers have grasped the attention of researchers around the globe in order to study them in heavy armory equipment and high durable products. The possibility in enhancement of natural fiber’s mechanical properties has led the extension of research studies toward the application of NFRPCs for structural and ballistic applications. Hence, this article established a state-of-the-art review on the influence of utilizing various natural fibers as an alternative material to Kevlar fabric for armor structure system. The article also focuses on the effect of layering and sequencing of natural fiber fabric in the composites to advance the current armor structure system.

Highlights

  • In the past few years, consumers’ awareness of new products has been very strict from renewable resources

  • The incorporation of 30 vol% of Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) fiber in the composites system showed better performance compared to ceramic layer reinforced ultra-high-molecularweight polyethylene (Dyneema) with lower back-face signature (BFS) depth (26.6 mm) which meet the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standard for ballistic protection against a rifle

  • Natural fibers or well-known as plant cellulosic fibers are emerging substituents used in composite materials in vast fields

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Summary

Introduction

In the past few years, consumers’ awareness of new products has been very strict from renewable resources. The use composite made up of polymer and natural fiber become extensively used in bullet proof as well as ballistic application. Chicken feathers, wool and spiders Silk is usually used as an animal fiber, mainly for biomedical applications, such as implants These biological products must be biodegradable, which means the ability to break down and absorb the human body or have biocompatibility to avoid harmful to the human body [3]. As well as the potential of penetration, such impacts can lead to extensive delamination, resulting in degradation of the structural performance Majority of these structures are not intended to serve as armored forces, and because of this possibility that they may be impacted at high speed low-quality fragments, fully understand its response to ballistics requires shock loads and related damage mechanisms is needed [11]. CalibeSrJMH2PAP 7.62 mm, NATO (11606.g8r)(24980.67g8r)m/s (2880(f1t4/s3)0 ft/s) 847 m/s

Classification of Natural Fibers and the Manufacturing Techniques
Polymer Composites Manufacturing Techniques
Hand Lay-Up
Resin Transfer Molding
Vacuum Infusion
Compression and Hot Press Molding
Injection Molding
Extrusion
Limitations
Natural Fiber Treatment Techniques as Adhesion Promoters
Physical Treatment Methods of Natural Fibers
Chemical Treatment Methods of Natural Fibers
Natural Fiber Composites Reinforced with Thermosetting Polymer
Natural Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Nanocomposites
Findings
Conclusions and Future Perspectives

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