Effect of components on ballistic performance of steel–fiber laminated composites

Hybrid composite materials have extensive engineering application where strength to weight ratio, low cost and ease of fabrication are required. Hybrid composites provide combination of properties such as tensile modulus, compressive strength and impact strength which cannot be realized in composite materials. In recent times hybrid composites have been established as highly efficient, high performance structural materials and their use is increasing rapidly. In this study, tmechanical and ballistic properties of hybrid composites containing Jute, Basalt, Glass and Steel fibers were investigated. In the experimental study, jute, basalt, glass and 304 type stainless steel fabric were used in composite production. Epoxy resin with its hardener was chosen as the matrix material. In the manufacturing process, all hybrid and non-hybrid composites were produced using 8 layers fibers. For mechanical tests, 4 different non-hybrid, 3 different double, 3 different triple and 1 quadruple hybrid composites were produced. The hand lay-up technique was used for the production of composite laminates, and it was carried out by keeping the samples under the press for 24 hours. After hybrid composite production, tensile, flexural, toughness and shear samples were extracted according to the required standards. In addition, for ballistic tests, a high carbon steel plate was added to the 4-hybrid composite and a shot test was carried out according to NIJ Standard-0101.06 (Level-II standard). As a result of the mechanical tests, it was determined that the strength of non-hybrid composites was from high to low, in the order of basalt, glass, steel and jute. In hybrid composites, it was observed that the 4-hybrid composite exhibited the highest strength. For the bending condition, non-hybrid composites were also found to have strength from high to low, in the order of glass, basalt, steel and jute. In hybrid composites, on the other hand, 4-hybrid composite gave the highest bending strength. Considering the toughness values, the highest toughness was obtained in steel woven composites in non-hybrid composites and in 4-composite among hybrid composites. Similar results were also obtained in shear tests. In the ballistic shooting test, the addition of 2 mm sheet metal with a 48 HV hardness to the 4-hybrid composite stopped the bullet penetration. As a result, it has been observed that addition of glass, basalt and stainless steel fabric to jute increase the mechanical and ballistic properties.