Performance of jute non-woven mat reinforced polyester matrix composite in multilayered armor

Abstract

This paper presents results obtained through ballistic tests on multilayered armor system (MAS) using polyester composite reinforced with jute non-woven mat as second layer. Following international standard tests are carried out with ammunition 7.62 × 51 mm, with a velocity above of 800 m/s. The MAS is composed of a front layer with hexagonal ceramic tile (alumina doped with 4 wt% of niobia), the second layer of polyester matrix composite reinforced with 30 vol% of jute non-woven mat and the third layer an aluminum alloy plate. The utilization of polymeric composites reinforced with natural fibers to replace the aramid fabric (Kevlar™) is of interest because their performances are similar in the armor system but the composite is less expensive. Scanning electron microscopy analyses show that the polyester/jute non-woven mat composite captured ceramic fragments through mechanic incrustation. Moreover the replacement of aramid fabric for polyester matrix composites reinforced with jute non-woven mat provides weight reduction of the MAS by 5.4% and a cost reduction of 474%. Keywords: Jute non-woven, Polyester composite, Multilayered armor, Ballistic performance, Economical advantage