Selection of polymer composite material for light weapons

As in other areas of the industry, the world has started using composite materials in defence industry in the recent years due to the main advantages like lightness, high endurance, low production cost, easy and fast manufacturing and there are ongoing studies in this area. In this study, it is aimed to contribute to the defense industry of our country by making composite materials selection for light weapons and to shed light on the work to be done in this issue. Physical, mechanical and tribological properties of PA66 and PC composites reinforced with glass fiber and carbon fiber by using injection method between 15% and 40% have been investigated in order to select proper material for light weapons. It has been determined that the strength values and hardness of composite materials increase in direct proportion with the increase of fiber reinforcement in mechanical tests. The highest strength and hardness values were obtained with carbon fiber reinforced PA66 composite materials, and the hardness values of these materials have affected negligibly against the temperature. Corrosion resistances of polymer composite materials were found in high value at the corrosion tests and Water absorption test results showed that PC composites were the material with the highest water absorption resistance. In the abrasion tests, it was determined that the wear resistance of PA66 composite material were high. The most proper material is PA66 which contains 40% carbon fiber for frame of the light weapons. In order to produce the gun parts which will be worked under low tension and low dimensional stability, the best material is 30% enforcement glass fiber PA66. Key Words: Light weapons, Injection molding, Polymer composite materials.