Abstract
Since the mid-2000s, several studies were carried out regarding the development of ballistic resistant materials based on polymeric matrix composites reinforced with natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs). The results reported so far are promising and are often comparable to commonly used materials such as KevlarTM, especially when used as an intermediate layer in a multilayer armor system (MAS). However, the most suitable configuration for these polymer composites reinforced with NLFs when subjected to high strain rates still lacks investigation. This work aimed to evaluate four possible arrangements for epoxy matrix composite reinforced with a stiff Brazilian NLF, piassava fiber, regarding energy absorption, and ballistic efficiency. Performance was evaluated against the ballistic impact of high-energy 7.62 mm ammunition. Obtained results were statistically validated by means of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s honest test. Furthermore, the micromechanics associated with the failure of these composites were determined. Energy absorption of the same magnitude as KevlarTM and indentation depth below the limit predicted by NIJ standard were obtained for all conditions.
Highlights
The development of military technologies in the past 50 years gave birth to new arms and ammunition associated with great destructiveness power
In recent years, polymeric matrix composites reinforced with natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) were reported as promising materials for application as ballistic-resistant materials [6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13]
In a recent state-of-the-art review on the influence of using various NLFs as armor systems, Nurazzi et al [8] enlightened about important characteristics of NLFs that caught the attention of researchers around the world to study their application in heavy armor equipment
Summary
The development of military technologies in the past 50 years gave birth to new arms and ammunition associated with great destructiveness power. In a recent state-of-the-art review on the influence of using various NLFs as armor systems, Nurazzi et al [8] enlightened about important characteristics of NLFs that caught the attention of researchers around the world to study their application in heavy armor equipment They include vast availability and low-cost of these NLFs, as well as the ease of manufacturing such composites. The results were like KevlarTM in similar MAS condition, and superior to those where only ceramic or Dyneema® monolayer protections were taken into consideration Despite these promising ballistic results discussing the use of NLFs reinforcing polymer composites, most published works consider only aligned fibers or fabrics arrangements. Deeper studies about the influence of the composite design are still needed to determine the condition with the highest possible ballistic efficiency
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