Ballistic performance of powder metal Al5Cu-B4C composite as monolithic and laminated armor

Abstract In this study, ballistic performances of x wt.-% B4C (x = 5, 10, and 20) reinforced Al5Cu matrix composite samples were investigated as a monolithic and laminated composite armor component. Composite armor plates were produced by the powder metallurgy method. The prepared powders were pressed under 400 MPa pressing pressure. Green compacts were pre-sintered at 400 °C for 30 minutes in order to blow the lubricant. Subsequently, liquid phase sintering was performed at 610 °C for 210 minutes. In ballistic tests, 7.62 mm caliber armor-piercing bullets were used as the ballistic threat. In the ballistic tests of monolithic armors, only 10 mm thick powder metal composite plates were tested. In the ballistic tests of laminated composite armors, these powdered metal plates were layered with 10 mm thick alumina ceramic plate front layers and 10 mm thick AA5083 plates. Although all of the monolithic powder metal composite armors were penetrated, they showed multi-hit capability. All of the laminated composite armors provided full ballistic protection. It was determined that with the increase in B4C reinforcement rate, the ballistic resistance also increased due to the improvement in strength, hardness, and abrasive feature.