Ballistic, thermal and chemical characterization of raffia fiber fabric (Raphia vinifera) reinforced epoxy matrix composites

This study concentrated on creating lightweight and affordable ballistic shields made from epoxy matrix composites reinforced with raffia fabric. Composites with 10, 20, and 30 vol% fiber content were created through compression molding and assessed for their ballistic performance, thermal characteristics, and chemical makeup. Ballistic evaluations indicated a reduction in energy absorption, decreasing from 87 J in composites containing 10 vol% fibers to 71 J in those with 30 vol%, due to a shift in failure mechanisms from brittle matrix fractures to fiber debonding and breaking. All setups stayed unchanged. Nonetheless, the 30 vol% fiber composites exhibited enhanced damage tolerance and structural integrity, staying intact following five consecutive impacts. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the inclusion of raffia fibers predicts the onset of mass loss and can change the total amount of residue remaining. The DSC curves illustrated the impact of moisture in the raffia fibers and potential alterations in T g on the thermal characteristics of the composite. In DMA, samples containing 10 % and 20 % raffia exhibited greater initial stiffness (high E′) and superior dissipation capacity (high E″) compared to pure epoxy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed interfacial connections between fibers and the matrix, as evidenced by the increase in the band at 1600 cm −1 . These findings underscore the promise of raffia fibers as a cost-effective and sustainable reinforcement for polymer composites, lowering production expenses while ensuring adequate performance and providing a feasible option for creating lighter and more budget-friendly ballistic shields.