Armor Silicon Carbide-Based Ceramics

Abstract

Newly developed silicon carbide-based ceramics demonstrate remarkable physical properties and high ballistic performance coupled with low density. The main properties of these ceramics, which affect ballistic performance, are examined and analyzed as a function of composition and structure. The features of fracturing of these materials after ballistic impact are studied. The armor products (body armor plates with various configurations and flat tiles with a size of up to 300 × 300 mm) are manufactured by slip casting, but other technologies are also applicable. These armor ceramics have a high potential because their manufacture is relatively inexpensive and provides lightweight products.