Study of Optimal Nanoclay Percentage Effect on Response of Composite Panels toward Ballistic Impact Loading

This study investigates high velocity impact performance of nanoclay reinforced facing in a foam-core sandwich panel. The sandwich structure consists of composite facings made from glass fiber woven roving impregnated with epoxy resin bonded to flexible polyurethane foam. Nanoclays Cloisite 15A were dispersed in the epoxy system of at 0%, 0.75%, 1.5% and 3.5% in weight. To study their ballistic performance, gas gun with steel spherical projectile in the velocity range of 150-242m/s was utilized. Composite panels manufactured with epoxy resin filled by 3.5 Wt.% sandwiched with flexible foam indicated the best ballistic performance . This is mainly due to the collapse mechanism, foam and facing interaction of this type of foam which owing to its flexible nature throughout impact, allows the structure to bend more and consequently providing nanoclays with ample time to be engaged in energy dissipation