Piassava Fiber as an Epoxy Matrix Composite Reinforcement for Ballistic Armor Applications

The ballistic performance of piassava fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composites was evaluated as an intermediate layer in multilayered armor systems (MASs). The composites were produced varying the volumetric fractions of piassava fibers, in a range of 10-50 vol.%, embedded in DGEBA/TETA as the epoxy matrix. These composites were adhesive bonded to a MAS composed of a frontal Al2O3 ceramic tile and an aluminum sheet alloy as the third layer. Ballistic tests were conducted using 7.62-mm-high velocity ammunition. The evaluation of the ballistic performance of the system was measured by the depth of penetration caused in a clay witness, which simulates the consistency of the human body, in accordance to some requirements of the NIJ standard 0101.06. The fractured materials were analyzed after the ballistic tests by scanning electron microscopy. The ballistic results showed that MASs using piassava fiber composites as a second layer are within the depth of penetration bounds to be considered as an efficient protection. This indicates that piassava fiber, a green material, is a promising material to be used in composites for ballistic armor applications.