Experimental study of sharp‐tipped projectile perforation of GFRP plates containing sand filler under high velocity impact and quasi‐static loadings

Penetration and perforation behavior of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) plates containing 20% sand filler have been investigated via high velocity impact tests using sharp tipped (30°) projectile and quasi‐static perforation tests. Two size sand filler (75 and 600 μm) were used in 4‐, 8‐, and 14‐layered laminated composite plates to study sensitivity of filler size toward loading system. Composite plates were examined for perforation load rate at 5 mm/min and high‐velocity impact loading up to 220 m/s. Results indicated higher energy absorption for GFRP plates containing sand filler for both high‐velocity impact and quasi‐static perforation tests. Higher ballistic limits were recorded for specimens containing sand filler. The study showed clear role played by coarse‐sized sand filler as a secondary reinforcement in terms of higher energy absorption as compared with nonfilled and specimens containing fine‐sized fillers. The investigation successfully characterized behavior of quasi‐static test during penetration and perforation of the sharp‐tipped indenter as an aid for impact application studies. Residual frictional load in the specimens containing sand filler constituted considerable portion of load bearing during perforation in quasi‐static tests. Delaminations followed by fiber and matrix fracture were major failure mode in high‐velocity tests and the main energy absorbing mechanism in thick‐walled plates, whereas in quasi‐static tests the failures were more of matrix fracture and fiber sliding. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The Effects of Micro- and Nano-Fillers’ Additions on the Dynamic Impact Response of Hybrid Composite Armors Made of HDPE Reinforced with Kevlar Short Fibers

Hybrid composite armors consisting of Kevlar short fibers reinforced high-density polyethylene were prepared and the effects of the addition of micro and nano-fillers on the dynamic impact response and the energy absorption under ballistic impact were investigated. Five groups of specimens were manufactured using compression molding of pellets containing mixtures of high-density polyethylene and the reinforcing materials. The first group consist of high-density polyethylene reinforced with 10?wt% Kevlar pulp (KN-1). The rest are hybrid composites created by the addition of 20?wt% of micro and nano-fillers. The natural micro-fillers used are particles of chonta palm wood (KN-2) and potato flour (KN-3). The synthetic nanofillers are colloidal silica (KN-4) and gamma alumina (KN-5). Microstructure (scanning electronic microscope) and compositional (energy-dispersive spectroscopy) analysis of the hybrid composites were carried out to evaluate matrix-reinforcements-interface. The fabricated composites plates were subjected to high velocity impact using split Hopkinson pressure bar system and ballistic impact, according to NIJ standard–0101.06 for ballistic resistance. Significant stiffness improvements of up to 43.5% were achieved as a result of the addition of synthetic nano-particles to Kevlar fiber reinforced high-density polyethylene. X-ray diffractometer analysis revealed that the crystalline structure of the Kevlar reinforced high-density polyethylene is unaffected by addition of the nano-particles as fillers. However the intensity of the crystalline peaks decreased depending on the type of the added fillers. The results of dynamic impact test using split Hopkinson pressure bar revealed improved impact resistance by addition of synthetic nanofillers (silica and alumina). The results of the ballistic impact test showed the gamma alumina nano-particles (KN-5) exhibited the highest energy absorption capability. The results of these investigations indicate that hybridization Kevlar short fibers reinforced high-density polyethylene by micro and nano-fillers addition enhances the stiffness, impact resistance and ballistic energy absorption capability of the composites.     

Influence of cenosphere filler additions on the three‐body abrasive wear behavior of glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites

The dry three‐body abrasive wear behavior of bi‐directional glass fabric reinforced epoxy composites with and without cenosphere filler have been studied using dry sand/rubber wheel abrasion tester. The angular silica sand particle sizes in the range 200–250 μm were used as dry and loose abrasives. The wear experiments have been conducted at two different loads viz., 22 and 32 N and different abrading distances viz. 270, 540, 810, and 1,080 m. The wear volume increases with an increase in load/abrading distance for all composites. From the experimental wear data it was observed that the abrasive wear of the composites dependent on the applied load and abrading distance. Further, the cenospheres filler inclusion in glass fiber reinforced epoxy (G‐E) composite showed poor abrasive wear performance. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of the worn surface features of composites and to understand the mechanisms involved in the wear analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy composites reinforced by a natural hydrophobic sand

If a low weight percentage of crude fine fillers can improve properties of polymer materials directly without complicated chemical treatment process involved, it will be significant for many industrial applications. Our previous study indicated that a kind of Cancun natural sand could be an effective filler material for polymer composites. In this current work, the epoxy composites reinforced by this kind of natural sand particles were prepared and thermal and mechanical properties of the composites containing up to 5 wt % of the sand particles were characterized. Results showed that the highest flexural strength appears in the epoxy composite containing 1 wt % sand particles. A damage model was used to interpret the flexural properties, which showed an acceptable agreement with the experimental results. The glass transition temperature, high temperature storage modulus, and dimensional stability of the sand/epoxy composites monotonically increased with the addition of the sand particles. The sand particle/epoxy composites also displayed a noticeable enhancement in thermal conductivity. Theoretical analysis showed that in addition to conduction, other heat transport mechanisms played roles in the improved heat transmission through the composites. As a natural porous micron-scale material, Cancun sand has the potential for applications in cost-effective composites with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Multi-walled carbon nanotube-filled polypropylene nanocomposites: high velocity impact response and mechanical properties

Polymer nanocomposites containing 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5 wt% of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in a polypropylene (PP) matrix were studied in relation to their low and high velocity impact performances. PP nanocomposites reinforced MWNTs were prepared via melt compounding in an internal mixer followed by injection molding. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed well dispersed 1?wt% MWNT in the polymer nanocomposites. The same analysis showed agglomeration and cluster formation in 1.5?wt% MWNT specimens. Results showed increase in Izod impact strength in nanocomposites containing 1?wt% MWNT, which attained the highest value (with 33.4?% increment). A single stage gas gun was used to carry out high velocity impact test in velocity range of 20?C150?m/s using hard steel hemispherical tip projectile of 11.34?g weight and 8.1?mm diameter. Results showed better ballistic limit velocity (the average of highest impact velocity causing perforation but unable to go through and lowest impact velocities with no residual velocity recording) and energy absorption for specimens, each containing 1?wt% MWNT, showing the highest value (with 100?% increment), compared with neat PP. Considerable increases were observed in tensile and flexural strengths and modulus for the MWNT-containing specimens as compared with neat PP.     

Three‐body abrasive wear behavior of E‐glass fabric reinforced/graphite‐filled epoxy composites

The present article summarizes an experimental study on three‐body abrasive wear behavior of glass fabric reinforced/graphite particulate‐filled epoxy composites. The wear behavior was assessed by rubber wheel abrasion tests (RWAT). The angular silica sand particle sizes in the range 200–250 μm were used as dry and loose abrasives. The tests were carried out for 270, 540, 810, and 1,080 m abrading distances at 22 and 32 N loads. The worn surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed varied responses under different abrading distance due to the addition of glass fabric/graphite filler into neat epoxy. It was observed that the glass fabric reinforcement to epoxy matrix (G‐E) is not beneficial to abrasive wear resistance. Further, inclusion of graphite filler to glass fabric reinforced epoxy composite performed poorly resulting in significant deterioration in wear performance while the neat epoxy showed better wear performance. Selected mechanical properties such as hardness, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation at fracture were analyzed for investigating wear property correlations. The worn surface features were studied using SEM to give insight into the wear mechanisms. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical and morphological study of polymer composite plates having different fiber surface treatments with particular response to high velocity projectile impact

This study investigates morphological and mechanical behaviors of polymer composite plates reinforced with surface modified glass fiber woven roving with special interest in high velocity impact response. Four types of surface modification were applied to the glass fiber surface, namely: virgin fabric (silane coupling agent removed), silane-treated (as received fabric), corona-treated virgin fabric and silane- plus corona-treated fabric. Hand layup technique was adopted to make composite plates with [0/90, ±45₂, 0/90] layup using unsaturated polyester resin as matrix. Mechanical testing methods, such as tensile and bending loading as well as low velocity Izod impact and high velocity impact tests in velocities of 88.5, 108.3 and 144 m/s were conducted. The results showed that, although in lower part of high velocity impact rates, i.e., 88.5 m/s, the panels with fiber fabric treatment of silane plus corona revealed significant increase in ballistic resistance, but in general, it was found that the order of optimum performance for E-glass fiber woven roving surface modification methods are: silane, silane plus corona treatment, virgin fabric and sole corona treatment, respectively. The results further revealed that at impact velocities of 108.3 and 144 m/s, the energy absorptions for the samples with silane treatment are 7.9 and 6.6% higher compared to the samples with silane plus corona discharge treatment (S + C) samples, respectively. Damage assessment revealed higher damage extension in the samples with fiber having silane plus corona discharge treatment. Morphological studies on surface roughness were conducted by SEM analysis. The results correlated well with mechanical and impact results in those samples with higher surface roughness showed better mechanical performance and that silane treatment was the dominant factor in performance.     

高强玻璃纤维板抗高速破片侵彻性能试验

为了研究高强玻璃纤维板抗高速破片侵彻性能,开展了弹道试验,探讨了破片入射速度、靶板厚度对高强玻璃纤维板抗侵彻性能的影响,通过对弹道试验结果分析,指出了高强玻璃纤维板的变形失效模式、吸能特性和抗侵彻机理。结果表明:破片在侵彻高强玻璃纤维板过程中可视为刚体,高强玻璃纤维板迎弹面破坏模式为纤维剪切破坏并伴随纤维反向喷出,迎弹面弹孔附近区域出现基体碎裂、纤维脱粘;背弹面破坏模式为纤维拉伸断裂,背弹面损伤区域远大于迎弹面损伤区域;高强玻璃纤维板单位面密度吸能随着破片侵彻速度增加呈线性增加,在试验速度范围内,得出了立方体破片侵彻不同厚度靶板入射速度与剩余速度、入射速度与靶板单位面密度吸能关系。     

Investigation of the high velocity impact behavior of nanocomposites

In this article, the ballistic behavior of the glass/epoxy/nanoclay hybrid nanocomposites is studied. The fiber glass used is a plain weave 200 g/m², while the nanoclay is an organically modified montmorillonite nanoclay (Closite 30B). The epoxy resin system is made of Epon 828 as the epoxy prepolymer and Jeffamine D‐400 as the curing agent. 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt% of nanoclay particles are dispersed in the epoxy resin. Ballistic tests are performed using flat‐ended projectiles in impact velocities 134 m/s and 169 m/s. The results show that the energy absorption capability and mechanical properties of the composite can be significantly enhanced by adding nanoparticles. When the impact velocity is 134 m/s, near than the ballistic limit, the most increase in the energy absorption capability is observed in 3 wt% nanoclay while with the impact velocity 169 m/s, beyond the ballistic limit, the highest increase is observed in 10 wt% nanoclay. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1173–1179, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Investigation of the high velocity impact behavior of grid cylindrical composite structures

In this paper, the experimental behavior of grid cylindrical composite structures, which are used widely in engineering structures, under ballistic impact is investigated. For this purpose, some grid cylindrical composite specimens were manufactured by the filament winding process and perforated by projectile using the ballistic gas gun. Incident impact velocity and exit velocities of projectile were recorded in each test. The results show that the presence of the ribs prevents pervading of damaged area of one cell to its adjacent cells. The structure behaves differently against projectile with velocity near ballistic limit and higher velocities. The results demonstrated that, by getting close to the ribs location, ballistic limit velocity was increased. However, due to reduction in energy absorption mechanisms in grid composite structures which are impacted in higher velocity than ballistic limit, projectile was exited of grid samples at higher velocity than unstiffened composite shells. Also, investigation of delamination in composite shell and ribs, debonding between ribs and shell (or separation of ribs and shell), residual velocity of projectile, damaged area of the grid specimens and the effects of curvature in two different velocities are presented and the results are discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2603–2608, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Environmental effects on deformation,strength, and degradation of unidirectional glass-fiber reinforced plastics. II. Experimental study

Glass-fiber reinforced epoxy (GRP) and unfilled epoxy specimens were exposed to different environmental conditions consisting of hot- and cold-water absorption and subsequent drying. Effects of the environmental history on deformational and strength characteristics of the composite material were investigated. GRP specimens exposed to hot water undergo pronounced degradation, which sets in shortly after exposure and is associated with a significant irrecoverable weight loss. Degraded specimens are characterized by higher void content and lower strength compared with their cold-water and reference counterparts. The degradation process is attributed to penetration of water into the matrix-fiber interfaces and is followed by an attack, at high temperatures, on the glass-fibers surface and coupling agent. As a result, glass constituents are leached out and then removed from the system by diffusion. The degradation effect was also confirmed by micro-observation of the fractured surfaces and by infra-red spectroscopy. A simple and effective testing method is recommended, permitting detection of degradation onset and its progress by simultaneous measurement of weight and dimensional changes with time.     

Effect of imbibed moisture on monotonic and low-velocity impact behavior of injection over-molded short/continuous fiber reinforced polypropylene composites

Design of automotive components with over-molded short/continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites necessitates understanding of their behavior under extreme outdoor conditions. The short, quasi-isotropic and over-molded short/continuous glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composite specimens were prepared as per standard and immersed in water until equilibration to study their relative moisture absorption characteristics and consequent mechanical behavior. As the absorbed moisture mostly occupied the interface between fiber and matrix in laminated composite inserts and moisture absorption of short fiber composite core is insignificant, the moisture absorption of over-molded composites is just above 50% of that of laminated composites. The flexural, interlaminar shear and impact behavior of equilibrated composites is primarily governed by the quantum of imbibed moisture of composite materials. Optical analysis of failed moisture equilibrated over-molded specimens showed a marginal delamination between plies of the inserts without any perceptible damage within the short fiber composite similar to dry as molded specimens.     

Low‐velocity impact response in composite plates embedding shape memory alloy wires

In this work, the behavior of hybrid composite plates, embedding superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) wires, subjected to low‐velocity impacts was studied. The impact experiments were performed on glass reinforced thermoset composite plates containing 1% by volume of superelastic thin wires (0.1 mm of diameter) of a SMA. The specimens were impacted with instrumented drop weight impact equipment: different dropping heights were used to attain impact energies from 1 to 500 J. The shape and size of damaged area were analyzed using two nondestructive inspection methods: (1) light scattering under back illumination was used to observe minor damages such as matrix cracks and fiber matrix debonding and (2) the size and shape of large damages such as delaminations were evaluated by infrared thermography. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Development of Anti-Ballistic Board from Ramie Fiber

A laminate of a composite was developed from Kevlar 29-ramie fiber reinforced by polyester resin for hard body armor. The focused given to the ballistic limit, maximum energy absorption, composite failure mode, lifetime rupture, target geometry and environmental effects. The results indicated that the maximum ballistic limit at impact speed is 623.97 m/s for a 15-mm target thickness and 837 m/s for a target thickness of 25 mm. The targets were improved in terms of the impact response with increasing relative humidity in the range of 50% ± 20% but were relatively decreased in terms of resistance with increasing temperature.     

Experimental investigation into glass fiber/epoxy composite laminates subjected to single and repeated high-velocity impacts of ice

Many engineering components in aerospace structures which are made from polymer composite materials are often damaged during service life due to hail ice and bird impact. This study examines the damage which may be incurred by a single and repeated high-velocity impact of 11.7 g cylindrical-shaped ice on glass fiber/epoxy laminated composite panels carried out on a 20-mm diameter smooth barrel gas gun. The laminates were made from E-glass fiber/epoxy resin with 0/90, ±45, chopped strand mat (CSM) and unidirectional fiber orientation and in different stacking sequence. The impact velocity was in the range of 130–140 m/s and the resulting damage extension zones from ice projectile impacts were measured. Damage extension was successfully identified in all specimens subjected to high-velocity ice projectile impact. Results showed specimens with ±45 orientation and CSM fiber exhibited the lowest damage extension. The results also revealed that specimens with plain weave 0/90 lay-up of glass woven roving show the highest damage extension. Extended damages were observed in composite panels under repeated ice projectile impacts. Study of the stacking sequence effect indicated significant role played by presence of ±45 reinforcement in reducing the damage extension in the laminated plates. Delamination constituted the major damage mechanism for most specimens tested followed by matrix and fiber fracture.     

The influence of velocity on the impact strength of glass reinforced polypropylene

The influence of impact velocity, between 1 and 8.7 meters per second (m/s) (2.2 to 19.5 mph), on the impact behavior of polypropylene, reinforced with 20 volume percent continuous glass fibers, was investigated in a 3-point bend test at 21 °C. The ratio of specimen span to thickness, which has a profound effect on the observed results, was varied between 5.3 and 26. An attempt to apply simple beam theory for the analysis of the initial specimen response to the high loading rate was successful, except for the lower than expected values of shear modulus. The stress to break and the tensile and shear moduli were found to increase along with velocity. The dependence of impact energy on velocity was observed to be affected by the span to thickness ratio: a positive dependency was observed at low ratios and none at high ratios. This is different from the negative dependency reported for polypropylene reinforced with short fibers, and is attributed to the influence of the continuous glass fibers on the impact behavior of the composite.     

Development of Silicon Carbide Reinforced Jute Epoxy Composites: Physical,Mechanical and Thermo-mechanical Characterizations

The aim of the present study was to investigate the physical and thermo-mechanical characterization of silicon carbide filled needle punch nonwoven jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites. The composite materials were prepared by mixing different weight percentages (0–15 wt.%) of silicon carbide in needle punch nonwoven jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites by hand-lay-up techniques. The physical and mechanical tests have been performed to find the void content, water absorption, hardness, tensile strength, impact strength, fracture toughness and thermo-mechanical properties of the silicon carbide filled jute epoxy composites. The results indicated that increase in silicon carbide filler from 0 to 15 wt.% in the jute epoxy composites increased the void content by 1.49 %, water absorption by 1.83 %, hardness by 39.47 %, tensile strength by 52.5 %, flexural strength by 48.5 %, and impact strength by 14.5 % but on the other hand, decreased the thermal conductivity by 11.62 %. The result also indicated that jute epoxy composites reinforced with 15 wt.% silicon carbide particulate filler presented the highest storage modulus and loss modulus as compared with the unfilled jute epoxy composite.     

Mechanical properties of polypropylene composites reinforced with long glass fibres and mineral fillers

Abstract

The mechanical behaviour of long discontinuous glass fibre (LGF) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites filled with talc or calcium carbonate fillers was studied. Sample specimens were processed by injection moulding, after which tensile and impact properties were analysed. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was used to analyse the morphology of the fracture surfaces. The results showed that the use of talc as a hybrid filler in LGF reinforced PP leads to a better tensile strength and toughness than in a corresponding hybrid composite based on calcium carbonate. Furthermore, it was observed that the matrix had a dominant role at low fibre content, whereas at high fibre loading, the effect of fibres was more evident.     

Influence of silicon carbide filler on mechanical and dielectric properties of glass fabric reinforced epoxy composites

Fiber‐reinforced polymeric composites (FRPCs) have emerged as an important material for automotive, aerospace, and other engineering applications because of their light weight, design flexibility, ease of manufacturing, and improved mechanical performance. In this study, glass‐epoxy (G‐E) and silicon carbide filled glass‐epoxy (SiC‐G‐E) composite systems have been fabricated using hand lay‐up technique. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, flexural strength, and hardness have been investigated in accordance with ASTM standards. From the experimental investigations, it has been found that the tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness of the glass reinforced epoxy composite increased with the inclusion of SiC filler. The results of the SiC (5 wt %)‐G‐E composite showed higher mechanical properties compared to G‐E system. The dielectric properties such as dielectric constant (permittivity), tan delta, dielectric loss, and AC conductivity of these composites have been evaluated. A drastic reduction in dielectric constant after incorporation of conducting SiC filler into epoxy composite has been observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photomicrographs of the fractured samples revealed various aspects of the fractured surfaces. The failure modes of the tensile fractured surfaces have also been reported. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

纤维增强复合材料的制备及防护性能研究

采用真空辅助成型工艺制备了EWR600玻纤织物、高强2号玻璃纤维、高强4号玻璃纤维、碳纤维增强树脂基复合材料.以复合材料为爆炸反应装甲的面、背板材料,考察了爆炸反应装甲对破甲弹的防护性能.结果表明,在所考察的范围内,碳纤维增强树脂基复合材料对200型破甲弹的防护系数可达到19,对破甲弹射流的损耗达到90%以上;与合金钢作为爆炸反应装甲的面、背板相比,纤维增强树脂基复合材料在实现30%以上减重的同时,可彻底消除爆炸反应装甲的二次杀伤效应,具有广阔的应用前景.