Aramid composites impregnated with different reinforcement: Nanofibers, nanoparticles and nanotubes

Abstract

In this study, the electrospun nanofibers, nanoparticles and nanotubes were used as reinforcement in order to improve mechanical properties of materials for ballistic protection. The samples of polyurethane/p-aramid multiaxial fabric forms (Twaron fabrics and Colon fabrics) were impregnated with poly (vinyl butyral) (PVB) ethanol solution with the different content of reinforcement. Due to the improvement in mechanical, ballistic and impact properties, the surface modification of the fabrics with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (AMEO silane)/ethanol solution was used and silica nanoparticles were modified with AMEO silane. This study is divided into three parts of research: electrospinning process, ballistic testing of the p-aramid composites and impact tester analysis of the Colon composites. The mechanical properties of all the composites were tested by the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).