Ballistic Composites Reinforced with Inorganic Nanotubes of Tungsten Disulfide

Abstract

This research considers a possibility of improving the impact and ballistic resistance of composite materials based on aramid fabric impregnated with poly (vinyl butyral), PVB, with the application of multi-layer inorganic nanotubes of tungsten disulfide (INT-WS2) as the reinforcement. Multi-layered nano-structures of tungsten disulfide are known by their excellent mechanical resistance, especially shock absorbing properties, which promote their use as a reinforcement in composite materials. INT-WS2 used in this research were observed using scanning electron microscope and the obtained images were analyzed in program Image Pro Plus. Before the application in the composite they were ultrasonically deagglomerated. Ballistic composites were prepared impregnating the aramid fabric with system PVB/INT-WS2 and by pressing defined number of layers under high pressure and defined temperature. Charpy impact test, ballistic shooting with two different ammunition calibers and stab resistance test with controlled knife penetration were performed on prepared composite samples, and resulted in significant improvements for samples with nano-reinforcement regarding the absorbed energy of impact, toughness and the ballistic resistance.