Development of Lightweight and High-Performance Ballistic Helmet Based on Poly(Benzoxazine-co-Urethane) Matrix Reinforced with Aramid Fabric and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

This study aims to develop a lightweight ballistic helmet based on nanocomposite with matrix of the copolymer of benzoxazine with an urethane prepolymer [poly(BA-a-co-PU)], at mass ratio 80/20, reinforced with aramid fabric and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). This has a protection level II according to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) 0106.01 standard. The effects of MWCNTs mass content in a range of 0 to 2 wt% on tensile, physical and ballistic impact properties of the nanocomposite were investigated. The results revealed that the introduction of MWCNTs enhanced the tensile strength and energy at break of the nanocomposite; the highest values were obtained at 0.25 wt%. In addition, the nanocomposite laminate with 20 plies of aramid fabric showed the lowest back face deformation of 8 mm which was much lower than that specified by the NIJ standard. According to Military Standard (MIL-STD) 662F, the simulation prediction revealed that the ballistic limit of the ballistic helmet nanocomposite was as high as 632 m s−1. The developed laminates made of aramid fabric impregnated with poly(BA-a-co-PU) 80/20 containing 0.25 wt% MWCNTs showed great promise for use as a light weight and high-performance ballistic helmet.

Computer-Aided Screening of Benzoxazines with High Thermal Stability and Good Processability

“…Benzoxazine, a thermosetting resin, has a structure similar to traditional phenolic resins. , However, unlike other thermosetting resins, it has a flexible molecular structure and can be synthesized from various raw materials. − Polybenzoxazines have a high glass-transition temperature, excellent thermal stability, and a high char yield. − In addition, they do not release small molecules during molding and curing and exhibit excellent performance characteristics, such as near-zero shrinkage, high flame retardancy, high tensile modulus, low water absorption, low coefficient of thermal expansion, low dielectric loss, and low dielectric constant, thus attracting the interest of researchers. − Accordingly, polybenzoxazines have been widely used in machinery, aerospace, and other industries as high-temperature-resistant polymers and polymer composites. − …”

Impact Response of Aramid Fabric-Reinforced Polybenzoxazine/Urethane Composites Containing Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Used as Support Panel in Hard Armor

“…Fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPs) have been extensively used in many high-performance applications that pertain to ballistic protection, such as helmets [ 1 ] and other types of body armor [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The utility is due to the excellent mechanical properties and energy-absorption capabilities of FRPs.…”