Andoko Andoko, Riduwan Prasetya, Suprayitno Suprayitno, Prihanto Trihutomo, Retno Wulandari
This study explores the enhancement of ballistic protection capabilities of Kevlar through the integration of shear-thickening fluid (STF) and boron carbide (B4C). The focus is on the effects of combining STF and B4C to reinforce the ballistic properties of Kevlar, with comprehensive analysis including rheology, morphology, and ballistic testing. The primary results show that the incorporation of B4C into the STF-Kevlar composite significantly increases the material’s resistance to penetration and impact. Rheological analysis reveals the non-Newtonian behavior of the composite, where the addition of B4C enhances dynamic viscosity, contributing to improved ballistic resistance. Morphological study indicates a uniform distribution of B4C within the STF-Kevlar matrix, supporting enhanced interfacial interactions and composite strength. Ballistic testing confirms that the STF-B4C composite provides a significant improvement in energy absorption and impact energy dispersion compared to pure Kevlar. These findings demonstrate the significant potential of using STF-B4C composites in ballistic protection applications, offering a new approach to developing more effective and comfortable personal protection materials. © ASM International 2025.
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, State University of Malang, Jl. Semarang 5, East Java, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
