Response to Ballistic Impact of Alumina-UHMWPE Composites

The response to ballistic impact of alumina-ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites with different relative concentrations of alumina was investigated. The impact tests were carried out at subsonic speed using a compressed air system. The results showed that the depth of penetration (DOP) in a Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) bulkhead protected by a disk of the composite decreased with increasing concentration of alumina in the composite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of composites with 80 %, 85 % and 95 % alumina showed transgranular, intergranular and ductile fracture mechanisms.