Ballistic behavior of Heracron®-based composites: effect of fiber density and fabrication method

Abstract

In this study, a Heracron® aramid fiber-based helmet was made, and its ballistic properties were investigated. The effect of fiber density was studied in depth. For the same weight and number of plies, a helmet manufactured from the HT-2820-based composite showed improved ballistic properties compared with one made from the HT-15000-based composite. This result suggested that fiber density may strongly affect the ballistic properties of armor. HT-2820, containing more multifilament fibers, provides more efficient energy absorption and dissipation. The influence of fabrication method on the ballistic behavior of a helmet was studied. The V50 of a helmet made by the film laminating method was 10% better than that for a helmet made by the resin dipping approach. Based on these findings, the film laminating method, which forms the composite by directly attaching aramid fabric to the matrix film, may be a good candidate for improving the ballistic behavior. The required composite interfacial strength will be application-dependent. Greater fiber-matrix adhesion may be advantageous in certain cases.