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Ballistic Performance of Raffia Fabric-Reinforced Epoxy Composites as an Intermediate Layer in Multilayered Armor
Douglas Santos Silva1, Raí Felipe Pereira Junio1, Leticia Dos Santos Aguilera2
1Department of Materials Science, Military Institute of Engineering-IME, Praça General Tibúrcio, 80, Praia Vermelha, Urca, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, RJ, Brazil.
Polymers
|November 13, 2025
Summary
Raffia fabric composites show promise as a sustainable alternative to Kevlar™ in armor systems. A 10% raffia-reinforced composite met safety standards for multilayered armor systems (MAS).
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Composite Materials
Background:
- Conventional synthetic aramid (Kevlar™) laminates are standard in multilayered armor systems (MAS).
- There is a need for cost-effective and sustainable alternatives in personal armor applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ballistic performance of epoxy matrix composites reinforced with raffia fabric.
- To evaluate their potential as a replacement for Kevlar™ in MAS.
- To assess compliance with ballistic protection standards.
Main Methods:
- Manufacturing composite plates with varying raffia fabric content (10%, 20%, 30%).
- Integrating composites into MAS with a ceramic front layer (Al2O3/Nb2O5).
- Conducting ballistic impact tests using 7.62 mm ammunition and measuring backface signature in ballistic clay.
Main Results:
- Only the 10% raffia-reinforced composite (ER10) met the NIJ 0101.06 safety threshold (44 mm indentation).
- Higher raffia content (20%, 30%) resulted in increased indentation, compromising ballistic integrity.
- SEM analysis revealed energy dissipation mechanisms like fiber rupture, pull-out, and delamination.
Conclusions:
- Epoxy composites with 10% raffia fabric content are a viable, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to Kevlar™ for personal armor.
- This material composition meets ballistic protection standards for MAS applications.
