Ballistic studies on synthetic fibre reinforced polymer composites and it’s applications –A brief review

Abstract

Recent developments in the defense sector have led to the creation of a new high-performance composite synthetic fiber with excellent energy accumulation, endurance strength, and specific strength. However, selecting the appropriate synthetic fiber, processing technique, optimal plate thickness, and layer sequence when creating synthetic composite plates for defense purposes has proven challenging. There are still gaps in the selection of materials such as the matrix and fiber, processing techniques, weight fraction, and stacking sequence necessary for achieving optimal aerial density and better ballistic strength in armor systems. This review article aims to summarize the different materials based on synthetic fibers used for developing high-performance defense materials. Additionally, incorporating filler particles into synthetic fiber-reinforced composite materials has been explored as a means of improving ballistic strength. The article also examines the impact of stacking sequences on ballistic strength and various numerical methods for determining composite ballistic strength. Finally, the study concludes by discussing the changing trends in the ballistic performance of materials created with a single fiber or a combination of two or more fibers (hybrid).