Physical and Mechanical Characteristics of Kevlar Fiber-Reinforced PC/ABS Composites

In this research, the composites between polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) alloy and Kevlar fiber were prepared. The flexural and tensile properties of PC/ABS alloy and its composites were determined using a universal testing machine. The synergistic behavior of flexural modulus was observed for all regions of PC contents, while the synergism of flexural strength and tensile strength were found in some PC contents. It was found that the optimum weight ratio of PC:ABS was 60:40. In the Kevlar Fiber-reinforced PC/ABS composite system at PC:ABS of 60:40, both flexural modulus and strength were increased with matrix contents. Additionally, the flexural strength drastically increased with the matrix content and then reached the maximum value of 167 MPa at the matrix content of 33.4 wt%. The results from peel test, water contact measurement, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveal that the interfacial adhesion between the Kevlar fiber and the polymer matrix could be improved by increasing the PC content in the matrix

A study of armour related properties of ceramic

Ceramics constitute an integral part of highly effective armours, often coupled together with ductile backing materials such as metals and polymers. The widespread use of armour ceramics is primarily due to their low density, high hardness, strength and elastic modulus. However, none of these properties can individually or collectively be identified as the major controller of armour performance. Rather, the synergistic effects of these properties are considered relevant for the ultimate impact performance. In this study, pressureless sintered alumina with ZrO<inf>2</inf> second phase particles as well as monolithic silicon carbide armour ceramics were investigated. They were characterized with respect to armour related properties such as hardness, indentation fracture toughness, porosity and density. The results indicated that the second phase particles and the level of porosity can significantly influence the performance of such armour ceramics.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye