Ballistic impact assessment of Aluminium Alloy 7075 T6, Kevlar and basalt fiber reinforced composite laminate with different nano fillers

Abstract

The ballistic response of hybrid laminates made from Kevlar and Basalt fibers, epoxy, and AA 7075-T6 aluminum sheets was studied. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3), silicon dioxide (SiO2), magnesium hydroxide (Mg (OH)2), and tapioca flour were employed as micro- and nano-fillers in this investigation. The nanofillers were incorporated into the Kevlar and Basalt fibers using polyethylene glycol, which were then arranged between two aluminum sheets with a thickness of 1.8 mm in the sequence KBKBKB up to 20 layers. The ballistic impact strength of STF-treated hybrid laminates saturated with a variety of nanofillers was tested and compared to the strength of hybrid laminates that were not impregnated with nanofillers. Hybrid composite laminates made in the lab were put through their paces with a gas-equipped gun and a high-speed camera to measure how they performed under certain ballistic impact conditions. A high-speed camera was used to record the collision between the target and bullet with a mass of 15 g, which made it easier to figure out the different mechanisms of energy absorption. The projectile penetration provided assistance in the investigation of the effect of the deposition of nano-fillers on the layer of Kevlar and basalt fibers in the hybrid laminate. This evaluation was conducted to determine the impact strength and energy absorption capacity of the material. Analyzing the relationship between sample density and impact strength allows us to compare how well different samples survive ballistic impact. The results demonstrated that the ballistic impact resistance and impact energy absorption of Kevlar and basalt fibers were greatly improved after nano-fillers were deposited onto the surfaces of the fibers. When compared to magnesium hydroxide and silicon carbide powder, aluminum oxide has the maximum energy absorption capacity after being deposited. The addition of tapioca flour has had the smallest impact on the laminates’ ability to absorb energy. Based on these results, it appears that polyethylene glycol-coated nano-fillers applied to Kevlar and Basalt fabrics have the potential to enhance the interfacial adhesion between the binder and the fibers in hybrid composite laminates.