Effect of thermal and irradiation aging on the ballistic behavior of aramid reinforced epoxy composite

Abstract

Fibers and fabrics have been used since the 70's as reinforcement in polymeric matrix composites (PMCs). These materials are regarded as excellent engineering materials and are used in several fields, from sport and recreation products to sophisticated structures for civil and military applications. Since World War II polymeric textile materials are used by the military industry. Epoxy-reinforced composites are used in the manufacture of armor, soft or hard, for personnel or vehicular protection. However, exposure of polymers to environmental agents such as sunlight, rain, radiation, heat etc. produces degradation that impairs their useful properties. In the present work the ballistic behavior of aramid reinforced epoxy composite plates, heated and gamma irradiated, was investigated aiming to establish a methodology to predict the effects of environmental agents on the ballistic performance of fabric-reinforced polymer matrix composite armor. Composite plates were ballistic tested and evaluated through mechanical (hardness, tension, impact and flexure) and physicochemical (infrared spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis) testing. It was observed that heat and gamma radiation induce changes in the polymeric matrix, modifying the mechanical properties and the ballistic behavior of the composite. These results are presented and discussed. © Freund Publishing House Ltd.