Development of Lightweight and High-Performance Ballistic Helmet Based on Poly(Benzoxazine-co-Urethane) Matrix Reinforced with Aramid Fabric and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes.

Jusmin Daungkumsawat,Manunya Okhawilai,Sarawut Rimdusit,Panagiotis Karagiannidis,Radhitya Banuaji Prastowo,Krittapas Charoensuk,Chanchira Jubsilp

doi:10.3390/polym12122897

Jusmin Daungkumsawat, Manunya Okhawilai + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122897

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Abstract

This study aims to develop a lightweight ballistic helmet based on nanocomposite with matrix of the copolymer of benzoxazine with an urethane prepolymer [poly(BA-a-co-PU)], at mass ratio 80/20, reinforced with aramid fabric and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). This has a protection level II according to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) 0106.01 standard. The effects of MWCNTs mass content in a range of 0 to 2 wt% on tensile, physical and ballistic impact properties of the nanocomposite were investigated. The results revealed that the introduction of MWCNTs enhanced the tensile strength and energy at break of the nanocomposite; the highest values were obtained at 0.25 wt%. In addition, the nanocomposite laminate with 20 plies of aramid fabric showed the lowest back face deformation of 8 mm which was much lower than that specified by the NIJ standard. According to Military Standard (MIL-STD) 662F, the simulation prediction revealed that the ballistic limit of the ballistic helmet nanocomposite was as high as 632 m s−1. The developed laminates made of aramid fabric impregnated with poly(BA-a-co-PU) 80/20 containing 0.25 wt% MWCNTs showed great promise for use as a light weight and high-performance ballistic helmet.

Highlights

Humans develop threatening weapons such as guns, rifles, explosive powder and other highly destruction weapon systems
Surface Analysis by scanning electron electron microscopy (SEM) of Poly(BA-a-co-PU) Matrix Reinforced with Aramid Fabric and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)
A lightweight nanocomposite ballistic helmet was developed based on aramid fabric impregnated with poly(BA-a-co-PU) 80/20 matrix containing 0.25 wt% MWCNTs having a protection level II following the National Institute of Justice (NIJ)-STD-0106.01 standard for ballistic helmets

Summary

Introduction

Humans develop threatening weapons such as guns, rifles, explosive powder and other highly destruction weapon systems. Traumatic brain injury can occur by penetration, and by the energy transferred to the helmet due to the retarded projectile through the interior foams, causing back face deformation (BFD) [1,2]. An effective helmet should be able to stop penetration, and must minimize injuries from BFD and be lightweight. Helmets were made of steel to protect against bullets and blast impacts. Their heavy weight is a crucial drawback. Helmets based on polymer composites have been developed to substitute steel with increased resistance capabilities and lower weight which make the soldier more effective fighters with higher mobility [3]

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