Ballistic Performance Enhancement Of Polymer Composites Through Carbon Nanotubes

The use of carbon nanotubes in composite hard armor is discussed in this paper. A description of the processes used to create the various armor panels, and their subsequent V 50 results for both .44 caliber soft point rounds and .30 caliber FSP (fragment simulated projectile) threats is presented. A 6.5% improvement in V 50 results is found for a combination of 1.65% loading of carbon nanotubes and 1.65% loading of milled fibers. The failure mechanism of the carbon nanotubes during the ballistic event is discussed through the use of scanning electron microscope images of the panels after failure. Raman Spectroscopy was also utilized to evaluate the residual strain in the Kevlar®29 fibers post shoot. The data shows a Raman shift of 25 cm -1, for the Kevlar®29 fibers that had an enhancement in the V 50 performance through use of milled fiber and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Evaluating both scenarios where improvement was seen and other panels without improvement allows for further understanding of how loading levels and synergistic effects between carbon nanotubes and milled fibers can further enhance ballistic performance. Copyright 2012 by University of Central Florida