Production of Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Polyethylene Composite for Ballistic Protection

Kenaf reinforced polyethylene composites for ballistic protection was produced in this work. The samples of alkaline treated and silane-coupled non-woven matted kenaf fibers were cut to the required dimensions and oriented vertically and horizontally in combinations with a virgin high density polyethylene (VHDPE). The composite panels were produced using Box-Behnken 3-variables settings. The following factors settings were used (molding temperature: 160 0C to 200 0C; molding time: 60 minutes to 80 minutes; fiber volume fraction: 10% to 30%) based on dry mass in a two-piece mild steel compression molding set. The pressure for heating and cooling was controlled at 12MPa. The responses as tensile and flexural values were determined and optimized. The composite sample of VHDPE ballistic test were blended based on the optimum settings of temperature: 200 0C; molding time: 80 minutes and fiber volume fraction 30%) and tested with Jojeff Magnum riffle gun. The mechanical and ballistic properties of the composite panel of VHDPE were determined. The studies revealed that fiber volume at 30%  protected against Armor Level Protection Class of NIJ standard level III-A for VHDPE composite.