Evaluation of ballistic performance of hybrid Kevlar®/Cocos nucifera sheath reinforced epoxy composites

The aim of this research is replacement of petroleum resource-based costlier Kevlar (R) 29 fabric (K) with a naturally woven novel Cocos nucifera sheath (CS) for ballistic applications. Cocos nucifera sheath is a bio waste, and it is termed as 'Natural Textile'. Nine and twelve layered hybrid and nonhybrid laminates were fabricated with different layering sequence by hand lay-up method followed by hot pressing. Energy absorption and ballistic limit of the laminated composites were evaluated using a single stage gas gun ballistic setup with 8 mm hemispherical stainless steel projectile. The obtained results revealed that hybrid composites and CS/epoxy composite panels exhibited higher energy absorption (30%) and ballistic limit (13%) compared to Kevlar (R) fabric/epoxy composites. It is due to CS's chemical composition, architecture, and unique shock wave dissipation mechanism. Hence, this new eco-friendly material will efficiently replace Kevlar (R) fabric in the ballistic composites.