Evaluation of Buriti Fabric as Reinforcement of Polymeric Matrix Composite for Ballistic Application as Multilayered Armor System

Abstract

Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) have been studied as a possible compound of multilayered armor system (MAS) when used as reinforcement in polymeric matrix composite. Among the NLFs, the buriti fiber (“Mauritia Flexuosa”) is a highlight due to its mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength. Therefore, the use of these buriti fibers as fabrics in an epoxy composite is a promising candidate for ballistic against applications a high-velocity 7.62-mm ammunition as intermediate layers in the MAS. Composites reinforced with 10 vol% were evaluated and compared with aramid fabric as well as with other NLFs composites commonly used as second layer in the MAS. It was observed that the conditions studied exhibit a surprising behavior. Any of the samples were perforated after the ballistic impact. Moreover, the measured indentation depth is much lower than the maximum predicted by the international standard NIJ 0101.04.