Abstract
Laminated ceramics with weak interface layers have been proven to be effective in toughening ceramics. The energy absorption ability of laminated ceramics may also benefit their ballistic performance. However, the effect of the layer structure on the ballistic performance of laminated ceramics has not been studied. Focusing on the application for body armor, this paper studied the effect of the different layer structures on the ballistic performance of laminated SiC ceramics. The laminated SiC ceramics with different layered structures were designed and prepared by tape-casting and hot-pressing. When used for the ‘in conjunction with’ armor system, the laminated SiC ceramics with a gradual-layered structure had the backface signature depth of 30% less than the laminated SiC with no interface structure and 50% less than the commercial solid-state sintered SiC. However, when used stand-alone, the laminated SiC had a similar ballistic performance regardless of the layer structure, which was likely due to the weak back support. In conclusion, the ballistic performance of the laminated ceramics was related to the back support of the armor system. When used for the ‘in conjunction with’ armor system, the laminated SiC had a better ballistic performance than that of the solid-state sintered SiC.
Highlights
With the development of military technology, armor protection for personnel is being increasingly emphasized
The results showed that when used for the ‘in conjunction with’ armor system, the laminated SiC ceramics with a gradual-layered structure had the backface signature depth of 30% less than the laminated SiC with no interface structure and 50% less than the commercially available solid-state sintered SiC
When tested in conjunction with a flexible armor jacket, the backface signature (BFS) depths of the samples were in the following sequences: gradual-layered < uniform-layered < pure-matrix and all the laminated SiC obtained less BFS depth than the solid-state sintered SiC
Summary
With the development of military technology, armor protection for personnel is being increasingly emphasized. Body armor needs to resist the penetration of the bullet as well as absorb the energy of the bullet, preventing lethal damage to the personnel. To effectively protect the person from auto weapons, multi-hit resistance is required. Ceramics, compared to metals, have superior hardness, good strength, and low density, making them an attractive armor material. The ceramic armor plate has become an essential part of personal armor to protect from rifles or higher-level thread [1]. Ceramics are brittle in nature with low toughness and are sensitive to defects [2]. Defects in the ceramics can facilitate crack propagation and effectively reduce the ballistic performance of the ceramics [3]
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