SURFACE MODIFICATION OF BALLISTIC CERAMIC AND COMPOSITE MATERIALS BY USE OF ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE PLASMA

• Published in: Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings pp. 23 - 35
• Main Authors: Vargas-Gonzalez, L, Rodriguez-Santiago, V, Bujanda, A A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2015
• Subjects: Adhesives; Affinity; Armor; Atmospheric pressure; Barometric pressure; Ceramics; Composite materials; Silicon carbide; Surface treatment
• ISBN: 1119040434; 9781119040439
• ISSN: 0196-6219

The potential use of atmospheric pressure plasma as a surface treatment method for improving adhesion in ceramic/polymer structures, thereby enhancing the durability of armour systems utilising these materials, was explored. A commercial SiC ceramic (SiC-N) and a UHMWPE composite (Honeywell Spectra Shield II SR-3136) were characterised before and after exposure to a He-O2 dielectric barrier discharge. Surface wetting and affinity to bonding with urethane-based adhesives increased significantly for both materials after treatment; the higher affinity is due to the increase in surface oxygen-containing molecules (SiOx compounds on the SiC ceramic and polar groups on the composite). SiC surfaces showed similar surface roughness values to the control sample after treatment, eliminating strength reductions indicative of other abrasive ceramic surface treatments. The adhesive bond strength of treated materials was greatly improved. Ballistic tests showed a modest improvement in penetration resistance.