Improving the Performance of a Ballistic Protection Composite with Either Graphene Oxide or Molybdenum Disulfide

This study investigates the ballistic performances of aramid composites reinforced with either graphene oxide (GO) or molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials known for their exceptional mechanical properties and large specific surface areas. Hierarchical composites were developed by incorporating these nanomaterials into the polymeric matrix and/or depositing them onto the Kevlar fiber surface, and their performance was compared to conventional Kevlar/PVB composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed increased storage modulus and improved fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion, contributing to tensile toughness gains of up to 90.3% over the unmodified composite. Fractographic analysis confirmed strong interactions between Kevlar fibers and the nanomodified matrices. Ballistics tests conducted on level II-A body armor prototypes showed reduced back face signature and enhanced impact resistance, with higher specific absorbed energy and ballistic limit than the reference composite. These findings highlight the potential of nanomodified hierarchical composites for next-generation body armor applications.