Mechanical and ballistic characterization of high-density polyethylene composites reinforced with alumina and silicon carbide particles

Abstract

This article explores the ballistic and mechanical performance of HDPE matrix composites reinforced with alumina and silicon carbide particles, to be used as lightweight body armor. The composites were processed by hot pressing, with the addition of ceramic fillers in fractions of 0, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 wt%, forming the sample groups A00, A40, A50, A60, A70, and A80. After processing, the composites were evaluated by tensile tests, Izod impact, and Shore D hardness. In addition, depth of penetration (DOP) and energy absorption tests were performed with chronograph simulating.22 ammunition in the ballistic test. Samples A80 and A70 had the lowest DOP result (15.98 mm and 17.98 mm respectively) indicating that these samples had the best ballistic performance. Mechanical tests performed on samples A00, A40, A50, and A60 showed that the deformation and tensile strength were reduced with the addition of ceramic reinforcement. Impact resistance also decreased. Shore D hardness showed a considerable increase in hardness of A40, A50, and A60 compared to A00.