Polymer Matrix Sand Composites for Enhanced Ballistic Impact Resistance

Abstract

With the ever-increasing threat of ballistic impact, it is crucial to provide a solution that is not only effective but also economical. A majority of studies contribute toward alternatives to monolithic structures by incorporating sandwiched cores, which are often prone to crushing and delamination. In recent years, sand-based composites have emerged as a potentially cost-effective solution. In this ongoing effort, the current research aims to offer robust protection against ballistic impacts and ballistic threats. This research investigates the enhancement of ballistic impact resistance in Polymer Matrix Sand Composites (PMSCs) through the inclusion of sand in a graded fashion, resulting in a tunable solution. The tailoring of various mechanical properties, such as modulus, impact strength, and hardness, enables different layers within a single structure, offering potential advantages as the projectile pierces through the thickness. The gradation creates a stepwise structure, with a base impact zone densely graded that is brittle and hard enough to erode the projectile. Further gradation involves a less dense region providing tensile strength, which can reflect the tensile wave and reduce impact energy. In the preceding study, composites underwent Experimental testing to evaluate mechanical properties. Homogenized properties were extracted to assess PMSCs' behavior under varying constituents. The current study utilizes extracted properties to develop layered structures. Simulation studies of varied gradation configurations are conducted, and the potential advantages of layering sequences are studied. Preliminary projectile impact studies provide initial insights into gradation performance. Results show that size and volume fraction significantly impact mechanical properties and ballistic resistance, highlighting PMSCs as cost-effective, sustainable materials for advanced protection.