Evaluation on the Design of Piassava Fiber Reinforcement Epoxy Matrix Composite for Ballistic Application

Abstract

Since the last decade, some studies have been carried out regarding the use of natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites for ballistic application. The results obtained were very promising and could be even compared to KevlarTM when used as an intermediate layer in a multilayered armor system (MAS). Although some different NLFs had been tested, studies about the ideal design or configuration of the composite yet to be done. This work aims to evaluate four possible designs of an epoxy matrix composite reinforced with NLF, in this case piassava fibers, to be used as intermediate layer in a MAS. The performance of these composites as stand-alone ballistic armor was evaluated against ballistic impact of high energy 7.62 mm ammunition. The results were statistically analyzed using the analysis of variance (Anova) and Tukey’s honest significant difference test (HSD). Furthermore, it was possible to determine the limit velocity (VL), which is an important parameter for ballistic armors. The energy absorption was statistically the same for all four tested conditions but only three of them were able to keep it integrity after the ballistic impact.