Ballistic performance of thermoplastic composite laminates made from aramid woven fabric and polypropylene matrix

Abstract

In this paper, the ballistic behavior of multi-layer Kevlar ® aramid fabric/polypropylene (PP) composite laminate (CL) and plain layered aramid fabric (AF) impact specimens was investigated. It was found that the thermoplastic PP matrix increases the ballistic performance of CL targets when compared to AF targets with similar areal density, resulting in less aramid fabric needed to obtain the same level of protection when the PP matrix is incorporated. It was found that the improved ballistic performance of CL targets is due to the fact that the thermoplastic matrix enables energy-absorbing mechanisms such as fabric/matrix debonding and delamination. The ballistic limit and penetration threshold energy of the CL configurations, which were predicted using an empirical model, were found to be higher than those of the AF targets. These results show that aramid fabric/PP laminates should be further studied for improved ballistic performance at lower costs.

Influences of weaving architectures on the impact resistance of multi-layer fabrics

“…(8). Experimental attempts to determine the wave speeds u and c of Twaron® yarn have been carried out using a Dynamic Modulus Tester.…”

“…While the energy absorption mechanism of the latter case is primarily based on the debonding or delamination of fabric/matrix layers, the energy absorbed by multilayer dry fabrics depends largely on the strength of aramid materials, as well as the interactions between the interlacing yarns [7,8]. Among the various mechanisms influencing the impact resistance of fabrics, weaving architecture is identified as one of the major factors influencing the mechanical performance and energy absorption of fabrics.…”

Experimental and numerical analysis of aramid fiber laminates with DCPD resin matrix subjected to impact tests

“…Optimization in the laminate production, particularly ballistic laminates, is focused on the use of thermoplastic polymers [4,5] and elastomers [6] for matrixes. The common use of these type of matrixes applies to reinforcements based primarily on aramid and polyethylene fibers, where the process of absorbing the energy of the impact loads (ballistic) is oriented mainly on the delamination of the matrix until it fractures.…”

Experimental Evaluation of the Impact Strength of Laminated Composites with a Thermoplastic Matrix

“…There are several works, dedicated to ballistic composites with thermoplastics matrix (polypropylene, polyvinilbutyral, and vinilester), based on aramid fiber [9,22,23]. There is no information in literature sources on ballistic features of the polyethylene matrix composites.…”