Indigenous Fabrication and Characterization of Ceramic Composite Ballistic Armour

Abstract

In this research work, Al2O3 based ballistic ceramic tiles were manufactured indigenously using locally available resources. Performance measurements and analysis of genuine armour were conducted to analyzed their properties by using Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and laser spectroscopy. Lab scale samples were fabricated using different compositions of three additives i.e TiO2, SiO2 and MgO in alumina at three different sintering temperatures. High value of Young’s modulus, compressive strength and hardness were achieved for the sample that incorporate the composition MgO and TiO2 in alumina at the temperature >1600oC. The ballistic response of composite armour was determined against 7.62x51 mm armour projectile having a velocity of 800m/s on the optimized sample. To perform field test, the fabricated Al2O3 tiles were impregnated on top of a UHMWPE panel using structural epoxy. No other layer was applied, allowing the entire momentum/impact of the projectile to fall on the ceramic tile. Ballistic tests were performed on the composite samples according to the National Institute of Justice, NIJ, level III. The performance of bare ceramic tiles having different thicknesses was evaluated by live firing and the videos of impacts were also recorded through a high-speed camera. They successfully stopped incoming projectiles by crushing the bullet and the trauma on the backing plate was observed in the allowable range.