Role of particle material and geometry in the ballistic performance of nanoparticle-impregnated Kevlar fabric

Abstract

The possibility of enhancing the ballistic performance of aramid fabrics such as Kevlar through the impregnation of nanoparticles is well established. In this study, the influence of the nanoparticle’s specifications such as size, shape, and material on the underlying mechanisms is investigated. A colloid-based treatment process is used to impregnate dry nanoparticles into Kevlar fabric. Using a customized gas gun rig, neat and treated samples are tested to determine the kinetic energy absorbed. Silica, alumina, and zinc oxide nanoparticles ranging from 10 to 125 nm, with spherical or cylindrical shape are considered. Silica treated samples perform significantly better (83% increase in energy absorbed vs neat fabric) than alumina or zinc oxide treated samples, likely due to greater agglomeration between yarn interfaces leading to enhanced frictional mechanisms. The exit-face damaged zone area acts as a surrogate for energy absorbed as it correlates well across all samples. Compared to samples with three layers treated individually, samples with three layers treated together display a 21% enhancement in the energy absorbed. Specific energy absorbed for three layers treated together with 80-nm silica is nearly 3 times higher than that for the neat fabric. Samples with three layers treated together with 80-nm silica provide the same performance as the neat fabric for a projectile that is nearly 70 m/s faster. Hybrid structural materials such as nanoparticle-fabric composites offer a promising route to enhance ballistic performance without weight penalty, while being amenable to multifunctional applications.