Investigation of Impact Performance of STF Impragnated Composites

Abstract

It is important to achieve high strength, high modulus of elasticity, good energy damping for lightweight armor materials. For this purpose, two or more similar or different materials are combined at the macro level. In this way, a new structure emerges that we call composite material. A composite is a new structure in which the good properties of the components in its structure become evident in the material. Research on the production and mechanical properties of composites that meet the needs of the developing technology continues. Military personnel, armored vehicles and many security elements are tested in the field with a lot of threats (such as mines, armor piercing ammunition, explosives etc.). Therefore, the armor used by security elements should be strengthened without compromising features such as lightness, cost and long-term use. This study covers the development of Kevlar's ballistic properties by impregnating Shear Thickening Fluid (STF). STF is composed of silica (AEROSIL 200) and polyethylene glycol (PEG 400). STF-impregnated Kevlar fibers have been subjected to impact testing at low and high speeds. Low-speed tests were carried out with a drop tower. High-speed tests were carried out according to NIJ 0101.06 Level II standards. The mass fraction of silica in the STF was determined as the research parameter. The change in the behavior of the materials with the change of silica ratio was investigated; Although improvements were observed in energy dissipation in low-speed impacts, it was noted that ballistic behavior improved up to a certain point, and then the improvement in behavior decreased.