Statistical characterizations for tensile properties of co-polymer aramid fibers: Loading rate effects

Abstract

High strength polymer fibers such as poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA), and poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole), (PBO) have been used for ballistic body armors. In addition to these para-oriented fibers, copolymer aramid fibers are being considered. Although mechanical properties of these fibers measured under quasi-static loading conditions are reported to be excellent, fiber tensile properties measured at comparable loading conditions for ballistic impact are rarely reported. In this study, we measure single fiber tensile properties at high rate loading conditions by clamping a fiber to the grips of a mini Kolsky bar, and investigate their statistical distributions as well as fiber morphologies.