Ballistic performance of Cyperus malaccensis sedge fibers reinforcing epoxy matrix as a standalone target

A growing demand for research about ballistic armor shields follows the increase of violence around the world. Ultimately, different composite materials with polymeric matrices have already presented the minimum performance as an individual protection required with cheaper and lower density, such as those reinforced with natural lignocellulosic fiber (NLF). However, with of vegetal species around the world, unknown fibers might present promising mechanical behavior. Thus, a ballistic investigation of an epoxy matrix composite owning a novel Cyperus malaccensis (CM) fibers as a reinforcement is proposed. The tests explored the limit and residual velocity of composites in three different conditions, 10, 20, and 30 vol%. Afterwards, fractured surfaces were analyzed in a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for a deeper investigation of the failure mechanism. From the tests, it could be observed that the plates condition of 20 vol% of CM fibers attained the highest value of energy absorption (222.11 J) and limit velocity (231.34 m/s), although the ones reinforced with 30 vol% showed a more complete physical integrity. For this group, the SEM micrographs presented the mechanisms of failure related to delamination and fiber rupture. The 10 and 20 vol% reinforced plates presented a slight difference in residual velocity (810.27 and 808.37 m/s, respectively).