High and Low Speed Impact Characteristics of Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites attracted the attention of scientists due to their superior mechanical, thermal, chemical and electrical properties. This research studied the impact of adding carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to the woven Kevlar laminated composites on the high and low speed impact characteristics. Different percentages of CNTs were added to the woven Kevlar-Vinylester composite materials. An in-house developed drop weight testing apparatus was utilized for the low speed impact testing. Two different concentrations of the CNTs were added to a 15-layer woven Kevlar laminates, 0.32 wt% and 0.8 wt%. The results showed that: The 0.32 wt % CNT sample enhanced the interlaminar strength of the composite without enhancing the energy absorption capacity whereas, the 0.8 wt % CNT sample did not improve the impact resistance of the Kevlar composite.For the high speed impact tests, a bulletproof vest was prepared using woven Kevlar, resin, and CNTs at 1.5 w% percentage. The ballistic shooting was carried out by a professional shooter using a 30 caliber and 9 mm bullets for the tests. The CNT bulletproof sample bounced back the 30 caliber copper alloy bullet with no penetration.