Candidates Enhanced Ballistic Performance of Polyurethane Composites Reinforced with Graphite-Derived Graphene

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized from commercial graphite using a modified Hummers method and subsequently reduced with Zn powder to obtain reduced graphene oxide (rGO).The rGO was incorporated into a polyurethane matrix to fabricate lightweight, ballistic-resistant composites.Structural characterization by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) confirmed the successful reduction of GO, evidenced by the restoration of aromatic C=C bonding, a decrease in interlayer spacing, and sheet-like morphology.Mechanical testing revealed that increasing graphene content significantly enhanced the compressive and tensile strength of the composites.Ballistic testing using a 0.22-caliber firearm demonstrated that polyurethane composites containing 1.0 wt% rGO effectively resisted projectile penetration, whereas neat polyurethane and composites with lower graphene content were fully penetrated.These results demonstrate that graphite-derived graphene can substantially improve the mechanical integrity and ballistic resistance of polyurethane composites, highlighting its potential as a candidate material for lightweight personal protection systems.

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