Comparative Study of P-aramid Based Soft and Stiff Composite Panels for Protective Application

In this research work, the authors investigated the impact behaviour of Kevlar based flexible and stiff composites. These composites were prepared by using natural rubber latex (NR) and epoxy resin respectively as matrix and p-aramid (Kevlar 129) fabric as reinforcement. For flexible composites, the ratio of reinforcement and matrix was 90:10, and for stiff composites, the ratio was 40:60. In both the cases, two layers of Kevlar fabric were used. Stitched fabric panels consisting of two layers of Kevlar were used as control. It was observed that the flexible composites exhibited 2.8 times higher puncture force whereas for stiff composites the value was 6.6 times in comparison to only stitched panels. In terms of impact energy absorption, flexible composites showed 73 % higher value as compared to the stitched panels whereas for stiff composites, 86 % reduction was witnessed.