Ballistic Performance of Multilayer Polymer Fiber Composite Plates

ABSTRACT Kevlar is one of the most used polymers for ballistic applications, but is expensive and not widely available on the Brazilian market. However, no studies were found involving the use of low‐cost polymeric tapes to manufacture composites for ballistic use. This study aimed to evaluate the ballistic performance of polymer composite plates made from polymer fibers (polyester, Nylon, and Dyneema) and epoxy resin subjected to ballistic tests using 7.62 mm projectiles. Considering the tensile strength of Kevlar fabric, the number of layers of each polymeric tape investigated was calculated to achieve the same tensile strength as Kevlar fabric. The polymeric tapes were arranged in a particular layered configuration with each polymeric layer interspersed with a layer of epoxy resin. The ballistic performance was assessed using NIJ 0108.01 ballistic tests, which measured the residual velocity of the projectile. COMP DYN (Dyneema‐based composite) exhibited a tensile strength of 136.2 ± 22.7 MPa, a maximum elongation of 74.9% ± 17.8%, and a modulus of elasticity of 7.25 GPa, which helped to explain its better ballistic performance compared to the other composites investigated. With a specific absorbed energy ( E abs / l ) of 20.67 J/mm, a residual velocity of 831.34 m/s and a limit velocity of 188.56 m/s, the COMP DYN polymer composite plate showed the best ballistic performance. Thus, the polymer composites investigated could serve as a cost‐effective alternative for obtaining ballistic protection plates resistant to 9 mm projectiles or for composing a multilayer ballistic protection system, with ceramic plates as the primary layer.