Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Dry Three-Dimensional Warp Interlock Para-Aramid Woven Fabrics: Experimental Methods toward Applications in Composite Reinforcement and Soft Body Armor

Abstract

Recently, three-dimensional (3D) warp interlock fabric has been involved in composite reinforcement and soft ballistic material due to its great moldability, improved impact energy-absorbing capacity, and good intra-ply resistance to delamination behaviors. However, understanding the effects of different parameters of the fabric on its mechanical behavior is necessary before the final application. The fabric architecture and its internal yarn composition are among the common influencing parameters. The current research aims to explore the effects of the warp yarn interchange ratio in the 3D warp interlock para-aramid architecture on its mechanical behavior. Thus, four 3D warp interlock variants with different warp (binding and stuffer) yarn ratios but similar architecture and structural characteristics were engineered and manufactured. Tensile and flexural rigidity mechanical tests were carried out at macro- and meso-scale according to standard EN ISO 13 934-1 and nonwoven bending length (WSP 90.5(05)), respectively. Based on the results, the warp yarn interchange ratio in the structure revealed strong influences on the tensile properties of the fabric at both the yarn and final fabric stages. Moreover, the bending stiffness of the different structures showed significant variation in both the warp and weft directions. Thus, the interchange rations of stuffer and binding warp yarn inside the 3D warp interlock fabric were found to be very key in optimizing the mechanical performance of the fabric for final applications.

Failure Investigation of Layered LFT SB1Plus Package after Ballistic Tests for Level IIA

“…In Figure 14, by the help of scanning electron microscopy, one may see the fibrillation, thinning and rupture of the aramid fibrils, resulting from the process of destroying a thread on the 2nd layer. The values for BFS (back face signature) for the LFT SB1 plus package are given in Table 1 and are measured according to Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor, NIJ Standard-0101.06 [2] (see also Figure 3).…”

“…A recent tendency of research in trying to improve the response of aramid fabrics to ballistic impact is the 3D architecture [2], but fabrics with unidirectional layers with different angle orientation in sublayers is also intensively used for body armor, due to the fact that the strength of the yarns is not "consumed" in bending them in a 2D or 3D architecture. Of course, technology is obliged to find the adequate film and yarns for maintain these multi-axial orientations in a single layer.…”

“…Ballistic applications of aramid fibers-based composites mostly include soft body armors. The mechanical properties of the aramids and the ballistic effects on its fabrics and composites have been investigated in several studies [2][3][4][5] that involved both experimental testing and FEM (Finite element method) [6][7][8][9] and established the effectiveness of the ballistic protecting system and the protection level of bulletproof vests. Recent reviews on ballistic protection [10,11], point out interesting comments on failure mechanisms and very particular solutions in combining different materials for facing very different threats.…”

Dynamic Impact Surface Damage Analysis of 3D Woven Para-Aramid Armour Panels Using NDI Technique

“…However, due to the different interlinking depth of the warp yarn through the weft layers, the average thickness of each fabric’s variants was found to be different (1.42, 1.44, 1.52, and 1.63 mm for variants 8/0, 8/4, 8/8, and 4/8, respectively). The parameter, design and manufacturing processes of the fabrics were also discussed in detail in our previous research work [ 59 ]. Four armour panel systems having surface areas of 50 × 50 cm 2 and comprising nonbonded but angled 8-panels (40 layers) from each 3D warp interlock variant were prepared ( Figure 2 a).…”

Special Issue “Advanced Composites: From Materials Characterization to Structural Application”

“…The articles included in the Special Issue explore the development of sustainable composites with valorized manufacturability for a breakthrough from conventional practices and corresponding to the Industrial Revolution 4.0 ideology. The publications revealed that the application of nano-particles improves the mechanical performance of composite materials [ 6 ]; advanced woven fabrics efficiently reinforce soft body-armor [ 7 ]; heat-resistant aluminum composites ensure the safety of overhead power transmission lines [ 8 ]; chemical additives can help in detecting temperature impact on concrete structures [ 9 ]. The publications [ 10 , 11 ] investigated connection problems of high-performance composites.…”