Ballistic efficiency of Corchorus fiber and aramid reinforced epoxy composite for armor material application

Abstract

In the present work, an experimental study on multi-layered armor system (MAS) ofCorchorusfibrealso known as jute (in mat form) along withkevlar, reinforced with and without epoxy matrix had been studied. The efficiency of the composites was tested against the ballistic impact of 9 × 19 mm projectile in accordance with NIJ0101.06. Energy absorption (Eabs), stopping velocity (V0), ballistic limit (V50), and back face signature (BFS) were considered for the performance evaluation. Among all the combinations, 15 K + 20 J without resin were able to stop the bullet of velocity up to 400.2 m/s with observed BFS as 21.78 mm. The combination of 15 K + 20 J with resin was able to stop the bullet of velocity up to 480 m/s with observed BFS as 13.19 mm. The addition of resin reduces the BFS up to 53.66% and increases the V0 & Eabs by 37.66% and 61.14%. The addition of the jute layer had significantly contributed to energy absorption, resulting in the reduction of BFS up to 31.26%. Macro photography and scanning electron microscope analysis had been studied to understand the energy dissipation and various modes of failure. The analytical and ballistic test results have exhibited the potential application of jute for armour material applications.