Effect of atmospheric plasma torch on ballistic woven aramid

Atmospheric pressure plasma torch (APPT) is a cold plasma technique that can be used to treat materials with a polymeric surface in an environmentally friendly way. The treatment modifies the topography and chemistry of the surfaces. The effect of APPT on woven aramid is studied with the aim of enhancing its impact strength for ballistic applications. The shielding, laminated with several layers of woven and resin, can better resist projectile penetration. Woven aramid has low wettability due to its low polarity. Therefore adhesives penetrate the woven fibers with difficulty. APPT treatment considerably increases the polar component of the surface energy and the wettability is improved. Changes in the micro-topography and chemical composition that generate enhanced adhesion are investigated. The adhesion ability was determined by adhesion pull-off test, T-peel test, and impact test. Two types of adhesives were used: an elastic one (polyurethane-based, with elastoplastic mechanical behavior) and a rigid one (epoxy-based). Composites made with woven aramid treated with APPT exhibit an enhanced resistance to impact in terms of elastic energy recovery due to the greater degree of adhesive penetration between the woven fibers of each layer and better transfer of loads.

Effect of atmospheric plasma torch on ballistic woven aramid Articles