Influence of the addition of graphene nanoplatelets on the ballistic properties of HDPE/aramid multi-laminar composites
Bruna de Tomasi Tessari, Natan Vargas, Rafael Rodrigues Dias, Iaci Miranda Pereira, Lílian Vanessa Rossa Beltrami, Alessandra Lavoratti, Matheus Poletto, Ademir J. Zattera
Abstract
The application of aramid fiber composites for ballistic purposes has increased in recent years. The addition of graphene in a polymeric matrix could boost the energy absorption and the ballistic protection of these composites. This study aims to investigate the performance of aramid fabric multi-laminar panels with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) films containing graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). Mechanical, dynamic-mechanical (DMA), ballistic impact, and split Hopkinson pressure testing were conducted. All composites obtained ballistic protection level III-A, with HDPE-0.5% GNP and HDPE-1% GNP obtaining the lowest subsequent deformations. HDPE-0.5% GNP showed the highest energy dissipation in DMA testing, corroborating the ballistic results.