Mini-review

A review on the influence of natural-synthetic fibre hybrid reinforced polymer composites for bulletproof and ballistic applications

¹ Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 704, Akure, Nigeria
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kirinyaga University, P.O. Box 143, 10300 Kerugoya, Kenya
³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Landmark University, P.M.B 1001, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
⁴ Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Staatsartillerie Road, Pretoria West, South Africa
⁵ Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa

^* e-mail: bichangadoi@gmail.com

Received: 7 May 2022
Accepted: 24 August 2022

Abstract

The past two decades have witnessed increased research in natural fibre polymer composites due to their low cost and environmental friendliness over synthetic counterparts. This has been further advanced by the global circular economy drive stressing on materials sustainability in production process. Hybridization technique has proved successful in enhancing the functional performance of natural fibre composites for advanced bulletproof and ballistic body armors applications. Laminate thickness, layering sequence, fibre loading and weaving architecture influence the ballistic performance of natural/synthetic fibre hybrid composites. Literature shows an increasing trend in research studies in natural/synthetic hybrid composites in the last twenty years to address the challenge of fibre/matrix incompatibility causing lower properties. Appropriate stacking sequence and incorporation of small quantities of nanofillers improve ballistic properties of natural fibre-based composites equivalent to synthetic-based counterparts. This paper reviews the influence of this novel class of composite materials for ballistic and bulletproof applications from 2001 to 2021.