Variation of mechanical properties and ballistic performance of fabric prepreg after resin coating processing

This study aims to identify variation of mechanical properties and ballistic performance of fabric prereg after resin coating processing. An aramid fabric was coated with different resin ratio to obtain different fabric pre-pregs. Experimental tests and Finite Element (FE) simulations were conducted to investigate the role of resin coating. According to yarn pull-out test results, yarn mobility was restrained with increasing bonding force, which resulted in global deformation to the load. However, under ballistic impact, fabric prepregs displayed local failure and very limited Backface Signature (BFS). With increasing resin ratio, the tensile stress and energy absorption of the fabric prepregs was increased firstly and then decreased. In comparison with the neat fabric panel, the panel AF/R14 displayed the highest improvement of the tensile stress (16.28%) and specific energy absorption (21.5%). FE simulation results revealed the panel AF/R14 displayed obviously higher strain energy and frictional energy dissipation before failure than that of the neat fabric panel. When the fabric prepreg possessed appropriate bonding force, most of secondary yarns can be engaged in high strain (above 1%) during impact, which made great contribution to energy absorption as primary yarns. Therefore, resin coating on fabric can achieve improvement of ballistic performance.

Automated summary

This study investigates the mechanical properties and ballistic performance of fabric pre-pregs after resin coating. Different resin ratios were used to coat aramid fabric and obtain various fabric pre-pregs. Experimental tests and Finite Element (FE) simulations were conducted to understand the role of resin coating. The results show that higher bonding force in the yarns led to global deformation under load, while local failure and limited Backface Signature (BFS) were observed during ballistic impact. An increase in resin ratio initially increased the tensile stress and energy absorption of the fabric pre-pregs, but later decreased. The panel AF/R14 showed the highest improvement in tensile stress (16.28%) and specific energy absorption (21.5%) compared to the neat fabric panel. FE simulation results revealed higher strain energy and frictional energy dissipation in the AF/R14 panel before failure. When the fabric pre-preg had appropriate bonding force, the secondary yarns contributed significantly to energy absorption during impact. Resin coating on fabric can enhance ballistic performance.