Determination of ballistic properties of densified reinforced laminated wood material

The aims of this study is to determine the ballistic properties of densified, reinforced, and laminated wood material. For this purpose, the samples obtained from Uludağ Fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmülleriana mattf.) and black poplar (Populus nigra L.) woods were impregnated with melamine formaldehyde resin and then densified at 120 °C and 140 °C with 25 % and 50 % thermo-mechanical method, and the panels were prepared. Then, these panels were laminated using 3, 5, and 7 layers, fiberglass, and carbon fiber reinforcement materials. Ballistics tests were carried out following the NIJ 01010.06 standard. In addition, stereo microscope and SEM images were examined to determine the changes in the anatomical structure of the wood material after the densification treatment and the adhesion of the melamine formaldehyde and polyurethane resins to the wood material. As a result of the ballistic test, laminated materials did not provide protection. Afterward, 2 pieces of 5 and 1 piece of 3-layer laminated panels were produced for ballistics tests. Ballistic protection was obtained from fiberglass and carbon fiber reinforced, laminated materials obtained from Black poplar and Uludağ Fir wood materials, which are 50 % densified at 120 °C and 140 °C. It is recommended that the panels be reinforced with fiberglass and carbon fiber, and 50 % densified panels can be used indoors and outdoors where ballistic resistance is required.