DEVELOPMENT AND COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ALUMINA-SILICON CARBIDE AND BORON CARBIDE CERAMIC AS MATERIALS FOR BALLISTIC APPLICATION
This study addresses the challenge of developing lightweight, high-performance composite materials for ballistic and protective applications, as current solutions often face trade-offs between stiffness, strength, and energy absorption. The aim of this research was to investigate and compare the mechanical properties of Alumina-Silicon Carbide (Al?O?-SiC) and Alumina-Boron Carbide (Al?O?-B?C) composites to determine their suitability for ballistic and high-performance uses. Using characterization techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), the composites� microstructural, elemental, and chemical properties were analyzed. Mechanical behavior was assessed through hardness, impact, and tensile strength tests. The results showed that Al?O?-SiC exhibited high stiffness (1243.80 MPa), moderate tensile strength (89.00 MPa), and low elongation, making it suitable for rigid armor applications. In contrast, Al?O?-B?C demonstrated superior stiffness (1461.54 MPa), moderate tensile strength (81 MPa), and moderate ductility (4.7% elongation), indicating its suitability for medium ballistic protection and energy absorption. Based on these findings, it is recommended that Al?O?-SiC composites be prioritized for applications requiring hard armor with high stiffness, while Al?O?-B?C composites are better suited for scenarios needing balanced protection and energy dissipation.
Authors : Audu, M.U., Akindapo, J.O. and Orueri, D.U.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 11(1) Date Uploaded : 15th May 2025