A review on Graphene Reinforced Composites for Ballistic applications

Abstract

The review paper emphasizes mainly on the hybridization of coir fiber and spider silk with carbon fiber and different percentage compositions of graphene, with an ultimate aim as to how the strength of these hybridized composites can contribute in the fields of material and manufacturing engineering. Firstly, there is an analysis of different properties of coir, carbon fibers, graphene and spider silk. Secondly, there is an analysis of the ballistic test performed on the specimens. In this review, some very basic yet important information is collected and discussed which will help the future researchers in the preparation of hybrid composites involving graphene. Being a natural fiber, the bristle coir fibers are pre-treated with alkali (NaOH) and then acidic treatment is done to remove the excess alkali. After the fibers become neutral, permanganate treatment is done. In case of spider silk, no pre-treatment is done. These fibers are reinforced with epoxy and different weight percentage of graphene (1wt%, 2wt%, 4wt%, 6wt %). Carbon fibre is incorporated in between using conventional hand layup technique. The epoxy and graphene mixture is sonicated to make sure that a uniform and good mixture is obtained. The review facilitates to perform ballistic test on the samples as the results from this test can substantiate to deliver a vital improvement in the field of material selection for body armors.

Preliminary Investigations and Support for the Mechanical and Dynamic Characteristics of a Natural Rubber Reinforcement in E-Glass/CNT/Epoxy Composite

“…Also, electrical resistivity decreases when nanotube reinforcement percentage increases from 1 wt.% to 4 wt.%. Researchers [28,29] have utilized graphene and graphene oxide as fillers in carbon fiber-reinforced polymeric composites. Their investigations have revealed that graphene may greatly enhance the electrical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics of polymers and polymer composites, especially when paired with synthetic fibers.…”