Investigation on how thermoplastic composites react to impact

Abstract

Fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites (FRTC) are often used for ballistic applications due to their tremendous mechanical properties and ease of manufacturing. In this paper, both Neat high-density polyethylene (HDPE) specimens and reinforced HDPE specimens have been experimented on through different types of tests like: The Charpy Impact test, the flexural test, and ballistic testing, and then analyzed and studied. The author analyzed how altering the thickness of Neat HDPE alone affects ballistic resistance. Not only different fiber and filler reinforcements were studied, but also, different HDPE to fiber/filler ratio. The reinforcements are: CSM450 glass fiber, powdered steel filler (PS), fabric fiber glass (FFG). Furthermore, FFG impregnated in polyester thermoset resin is also tested as a reinforcement. The thermoset reinforcement outperformed all other specimens in the ballistic test. The bullet used in the ballistic test was a 9 mm Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Luger traveling at 362 m/s with a ballistic energy level of almost 491 Joules. Examined damaged area of the specimens prove that the addition of fibers can increase a composite’s ballistic absorption ability. FFG outperformed PS, in terms of Charpy test and 3-point bending test, by up to 61.9 % and 82.7 %; respectively. Only two specimens halted the bullet from penetrating, both specimens were coated with the thermoset.