Development of a hybrid coir fiber composites as ballistic material

Abstract

Utilization of composite material in military application can provide better performance compared to metal material especially in increasing the mobility capacity of defense personnel. The objective of this research is to develop ballistic material from composite hybrid with coir and synthetic fibers as its reinforcement. Composite hybrid is formed using epoxy matrix with (Coir + Alumina)-E-glass-Fabric-Rubber. The coir used is in short fibers form after fibrillation process. Alumina is used for 5% of resin weight. The specimen is formed with hand lay-up method. The test of mechanical and physical properties is conducted to observe the reinforcement mechanically and physically. The firing test is aimed to find out the ballistic durability. The result of mechanical characteristic test shows that composite hybrid has tensile strength 76 Mpa, 58,02 kJ/m2 for impact strength and 0,00122 g/mm3 for density. The result of ballistic test shows that composite hybrid material is able to detent the bullet in level IIA.