Abstract:
The use of personal protection is increasing due to the recent increase in violence, domestic and international conflicts. This fact drives research aimed at the production of new materials for ballistic applications, focusing on the use of natural lignocellulosic fibers (NFLs) in polymer matrix. In this context, the hybrid composites of flax and aramid fabrics stand out in ballistic applications such as reinforcements in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix. For this, composites were produced in five different configurations: 19A0L, 17A8L, 12A12L, 8A17L and 0A27L. Residual velocity tests were performed to verify its preliminary ballistic behavior. The 17A8L composite is capable of containing all projectiles, while the 19A0L, 12A12L and 8A17L composites have Class IIIA protection, which is above the standard specification. For pure flax condition (0A27L), as expected, there was not a satisfactory result in terms of ballistic armor. In this way, the possibility of using these hybrid composite materials for the manufacture of ballistic helmets is highlighted.