A Review on Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite for Bullet Proof and Ballistic Applications

Abstract

Even though natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) have been widely used in automotive and building industries, there is still a room to promote them to high-level structural applications such as primary structural component specifically for bullet proof and ballistic applications. The promising performance of Kevlar fabrics and aramid had widely implemented in numerous ballistic and bullet proof applications including for bullet proof helmets, vest, and other armor parts provides an acceptable range of protection to soldiers. However, disposal of used Kevlar products would affect the disruption of the ecosystem and pollutes the environment. Replacing the current Kevlar fabric and aramid in the protective equipment with natural fibers with enhanced kinetic energy absorption and dissipation has been significant effort to upgrade the ballistic performance of the composite structure with green and renewable resources. The vast availability, low cost and ease of manufacturing of natural fibers have grasped the attention of researchers around the globe in order to study them in heavy armory equipment and high durable products. The possibility in enhancement of natural fiber’s mechanical properties has led the extension of research studies toward the application of NFRPCs for structural and ballistic applications. Hence, this article established a state-of-the-art review on the influence of utilizing various natural fibers as an alternative material to Kevlar fabric for armor structure system. The article also focuses on the effect of layering and sequencing of natural fiber fabric in the composites to advance the current armor structure system.

Polylactic Acid (PLA) Biocomposite: Processing, Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Applications

“…Studies on the processing effects and natural fibres properties show an improvement in mechanical properties parallel to the National Policy on Industry 4.0 (Industry 4WRD). Natural fibres have sparked great interest among researchers and industry players for their applications in the military [22], automotive [23][24][25][26][27], industrial [28][29][30][31][32][33], furniture [34], civil [35,36], and biomedical fields [37]. It is reported that the natural fibres global production exceeded 105 million metric tons in 2018 [38].…”

Fabrication, Functionalization, and Application of Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Polymer Composite: An Overview

“…Polymeric composites are one of the most well-known materials that have lightweight properties and high durability for various functions [232][233][234][235][236][237][238][239]. Polymer composites exploit a wide range of applications due to their all-around excellent performance in mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties [240][241][242][243][244][245]. The inclusion of nanofillers inside polymer resins could provide promising properties for materials in almost every sector [246][247][248].…”

Delamination and Manufacturing Defects in Natural Fiber-Reinforced Hybrid Composite: A Review

“…Cellulose is an important structural component of the primary cell wall that surrounds the natural fibers, providing strength to plant cells, leaves, branches, and stems [78][79][80][81]. Cellulose is a semicrystalline polysaccharide consisting of units of d-glucopyranose interconnected by b-(1-4)-glucoside bonds [82][83][84][85]. However, in some cases when these natural fibers were used to reinforce hydrophobic matrices, a significant amount of hydroxyl groups in cellulose gave hydrophilic properties to natural fiber that resulted in very poor interface and resistance to moisture absorption [86].…”