The effect of hybridization on the ballistic impact behavior of nanostructured hybrid composite plates

Abstract

Hybrid composites are the material group largely preferred for use in space, aerospace and ballistic applications, where superior mechanical strength and low density are required. Hybrid composites are produced using high strength Kevlar and S-glass fiber as reinforcement material. Three different nano-particle, nano-clay, nano-calcite and nano-carbon, were used in order to increase the ballistic impact performance of hybrid composite plates. The nano-particles were added into the epoxy resin–hardener mixture in 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 (wt.%) ratios. The hybridization was performed by combining the plates produced with different matrix materials. After the tests, the deflection values on the back surface of the material were measured and the presence of perforation in the material was evaluated. As a result of the study, it has been observed that the ballistic properties are affected from the changing of the laminates stacking sequence and ballistic strength of the material can be increased by the addition of nano-particle. In hybrids composites produced by the addition of Sglass, ballistic strength was reduced, although the weight was reduced by 20%. It was found that nano-calcites adding hybrid composite plates at the front sites and nano-clay added plates at the back sites showed superior ballistic performance.