Ballistic Test of Multilayered Armor with Intermediate Polyester Composite Reinforced with Fique Fabric

Abstract

Multilayered armor systems (MASs) with a front ceramic followed by synthetic fabric are currently used against high-velocity ammunition. In these armors, the front layer, which shatters the ceramic and spalls the bullet, is followed by an intermediate layer, usually plies of Kevlar® or Dyneema®. In the present work, the intermediate synthetic fabric layer was replaced by an equal thickness layer of 30 vol.% fique fabric-reinforced polyester composite. The fique fabric is made of relatively strong natural fiber with a reinforcement potential. Ballistic impact test with 7.62 caliber ammunition revealed that both the plain polyester and the fique fabric composite have a relatively similar performance as that of the Kevlar®. The MAS with fique fabric component attended the NIJ standard for body protection. The energy dissipation mechanisms of fique fabric composite were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. This latter is the same mechanism recently disclosed for aramid fabric.