Electrospun Poly(vinylbutyral)/silica composite fibres for impregnation of aramid fabrics

Summary

Aramid fabrics such as Kevlar and Twaron are the backbone of body-armour and ballistic-protection composites, and their performance can be improved by impregnating them with functional polymers and nano-reinforcements. This study uses electrospinning to produce composite nanofibres of poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) combined with silica (SiO₂), which are then applied to impregnate aramid fabrics. Adding an inorganic silica phase to the PVB fibres is intended to stiffen and toughen the interface between the polymer and the high-strength aramid weave. The authors characterise the electrospun PVB/silica fibres and the resulting impregnated fabrics, assessing how the composite-nanofibre coating affects the mechanical behaviour relevant to impact and ballistic protection — part of a broader effort to engineer lightweight protective textiles.

Authors & Affiliations

• Vera Obradović

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• Dušica B. Stojanović

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• Aleksandar Kojović

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• Irena Živković

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• Vesna Radojević

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• Petar S. Uskoković

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• Radoslav Aleksić

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia

Topics

Materials

Linari Electrospinning Systems