Evaluation of the mechanical and ballistic properties of aramid-based composite materials with graphene reinforcement

In this research, nanocomposite samples were obtained by reinforcing different amounts of graphene and epoxy resin mixture to aramid-based composite plates. Characteristic peaks were obtained by performing FTIR and Raman analyzes on graphene nanoplatelets used in the experimental study. The production process of a ballistic plate, which can be a reference for ballistic composites, is explained in detail. Graphene nanoplatelet reinforced and non-reinforced ballistic plates were exposed shooting test in the ballistic test laboratory in accordance with the NIJ-STD-0101.04 standard and the test results were compared. As a result of the shooting tests, successful results were not obtained in ballistic plates reinforced with graphene and epoxy resin, except for one plate and it was evaluated that this was due to the negative effect of epoxy resin on the flexibility and energy absorption properties of aramid layers. Energy dissipation mechanisms such as perforation, fiber breakage and delamination, which occur under ballistic effect, were investigated in digital photographs of the aforementioned ballistic nanocomposite samples. As a result of the tensile tests, it was observed that the ultimate tensile strength of the 0.5% and 1% by weight graphene added samples increased and their mechanical properties improved.