Performance of jute non-woven mat reinforced polyester matrix composite in multilayered armor

This paper presents results obtained through ballistic tests on multilayered armor system (MAS) using polyester composite reinforced with jute non-woven mat as second layer. Following international standard tests are carried out with ammunition 7.62 x 51 mm, with a velocity above of 800 m/s. The MAS is composed of a front layer with hexagonal ceramic tile (alumina doped with 4 wt% of niobia), the second layer of polyester matrix composite reinforced with 30 vol% of jute non-woven mat and the third layer an aluminum alloy plate. The utilization of polymeric composites reinforced with natural fibers to replace the aramid fabric (Kevlar (TM)) is of interest because their performances are similar in the armor system but the composite is less expensive. Scanning electron microscopy analyses show that the polyester/jute non-woven mat composite captured ceramic fragments through mechanic incrustation. Moreover the replacement of aramid fabric for polyester matrix composites reinforced with jute non-woven mat provides weight reduction of the MAS by 5.4% and a cost reduction of 474%. (C) 2018 Brazilian Metallurgical, Materials and Mining Association. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.