Terminal Ballistic Study of Polyester Composites Reinforced with Aramid Fabrics

This study evaluates the ballistic performance of composites reinforced with aramid fibers, focusing on the comparison between artisanal twill-structured fabrics (SKRC) and commercial plain-weave fabrics (TLRC). The composites were manufactured using a compression molding technique and subjected to ballistics tests with expansive hollow-point bullets, based NIJ 0108.01 standard. Key parameters analyzed included projectile deformation, delamination behavior, and the coverage factor of the fabrics. The SKRC composite exhibited superior ballistic performance, attributed to its higher coverage factor and enhanced interaction with primary yarns, resulting in greater energy absorption and bullet deformation. Conversely, the TLRC composite demonstrated limited resistance, with reduced delamination and inefficiency in dissipating kinetic energy. MO revealed distinct deformation profiles of the projectiles and delamination zones, correlating these behaviors with the reinforcement structure's mechanical response. These findings highlight the potential of artisanal twill-structured fabrics for ballistic applications, emphasizing the importance of reinforcement content and fabric architecture in improving composite performance. This study contributes to the advancement of terminal ballistics and the development of lightweight, high-performance materials for protective equipment. Future research should explore optimization of stacking sequences and reinforcement content to further enhance ballistic protection.