Plasma modification of Kevlar fabrics for ballistic applications

Currently used high performance fibre materials for soft body armour have very low surface friction and this has become an issue in the effectiveness of ballistic energy absorption. In this study, Non-polymerising reactive plasma gas N2 and chemical vapour (CH3)2Cl2Si were employed to modify Kevlar fabric surface for the application of ballistic impact material. SEM observations yield information about the surface effect of the fabrics after plasma treatment. The surface morphology of the treated fabrics was studied. EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray) analysis was used to analyse the surface chemical properties of the treated samples. Yarn pulling out test shows that the resistance to pull out a yarn from N2 and (CH3)2Cl2Si plasma treated fabric is increased 18% and 300% respectively, compared to the untreated Kevlar fabric. FE simulation results revealed that fabric with higher surface coefficient of friction performs better in ballistic energy absorption.