Abstract
Inter yarn friction, measured in terms of yarn pull-out force, is a major mechanism of energy absorption in soft body armor. Increasing inter-yarn friction of para-aramid fabric to improve ballistic performance without adding weight is challenging. This work reports the fabrication of aligned Ag nanorods (AgNRs) on the para-aramid (Kevlar) fabric surface using the glancing angle deposition technique. A single yarn pull-out test examines Kevlar fabric treatment. The AgNRs-coated para-aramid fabric retains its flexibility and weight while increasing yarn pull-out force by 130%. Anisotropy in inter-yarn friction depends on the yarn's sliding direction relative to Ag nanorod tilt direction, indicating direction-dependent yarn pull-out force. The periodic character of pull-out response post-peak force is replicated by modeling the yarn pull-out phenomenon by incorporating a mesoscale level numerical model of woven fabric. The numerical model confirms the experimental results that formation of nanorods significantly increases inter-yarn friction and pull-out force.
Published Version
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