Investigation on para‐aramid fiber‐reinforced poly‐ether ketone‐ketone high‐performance composite for ballistic application

Abstract This investigation highlights the performance of high‐performance polymeric composite for ballistic application. Therefore, reinforcement of para ‐aramid fiber in poly‐ether‐ketone‐ketone (PEKK) resin film has been made. The surface of PEKK and para ‐aramid fiber was modified by low‐pressure plasma to enhance the surface energy of the polymeric film and reinforcement fiber. The polymeric composite was manufactured by compression molding with a pressure of 2 bar, temperature of 310°C with holding time of 15 min. Due to low‐pressure plasma treatment of PEKK film and para‐aramid fiber, the tensile strength of the composites increases considerably. In the accelerated aging test, the tensile specimens are dipped into concentrated HNO 3 and NaOH medium for 15 days. It is observed that there is a decrease in tensile strength. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the virgin specimen was compared to the environmentally aged for 15 days and in this case, also there was a decrease in tensile strength. Two types of composite panels were made (i) 25 layers of PEKK film with 24 layers of para‐aramid fabric and (ii) 45 layers of PEKK film with 44 layers of para‐aramid fabric with 15 mm × 15 mm. The composite panel was tested with four 9 mm handgun bullets fired from a distance of 5 meters with a speed of 430 m/s. In the case of 25 layers of PEKK film with 24 layers of para‐aramid fabric, the composite failed under ballistic test, however, in the case of 45 layers of PEKK film with 44 layers of para‐aramid fabric, the composite was successful under ballistic test. Highlights Film stacking method of PEKK and Aramid fiber. Ballistic composite panel with layers of PEKK and Aramid fiber. Enhancement of mechanical properties of the composite panel with plasma surface treatment. Ballistic testing of composite panel.