Comparative study of natural fabric composite with Kevlar and Dyneema for various ballistic application

This study conducts a comparative analysis of the ballistic limit in accordance with MIL-STD-662F of jute composites when combined with Kevlar and Dyneema, specifically under the impact of a 9 mm projectile. The research evaluates the role of front- and back-layer material selection in hybrid jute-synthetic fibre composites and provides evidence for optimal material stacking sequences in multilayered armour systems. Experimental findings highlight significant disparities in ballistic performance among the jute-Kevlar and jute-Dyneema configurations. Parameters like ballistic limit, back face trauma (BFS) and panel deformation were considered for performance assessment. In addition, projectile deformation, SEM-EDAX and X-ray imaging were used to study the impact dynamics. Among the configurations tested, the 15 J + 15D-A configuration, which comprised 15 layers of jute and 15 layers of Dyneema arranged in an alternating sequence (with jute as the front layer and Dyneema as the back layer), demonstrated the highest ballistic limit of 458.40 m/s with BFS of 27.70 ± 2.43 mm. In contrast, the 15 J + 15K-B configuration, consisting of 15 layers of jute and 15 layers of Kevlar in an alternating sequence (with Kevlar as the strike face layer and jute as the back face layer), exhibited the lowest ballistic limit of 274.31 m/s with 10.62 ± 2.38 mm BFS, in accordance with the NIJ 0101.06 standard for Threat Levels IIA and II, as well as the BIS 17051:2018 standard for Threat Level 1. Further, projectile deformation was analysed for the assessment of impact dynamics. The overall findings indicate a balance of velocity, delamination, and structural integrity inherent in composite materials, providing valuable insights for future advancements in armor technology. The study accentuates the distinct characteristics of each configuration, highlighting the importance of material selection in optimising ballistic performance.