Lower Cost Approach for Production of Improved Performance Ceramic Armor Systems

There is a need for higher temperature, lightweight armor to be used in the U.S. Marine Corps EFV. Ceralink proposes to develop a polymer-ceramic composite to meet the needs of this and many other applications. The ultrahigh temperature polymer is commercially available and possesses outstanding chemical resistance and mechanical performance up to >500°F. The ceramic will be produced using microwave heating and offers several advantages over the conventionally produced material including lower cost and improved mechanical properties. In Phase I, composites will be fabricated and evaluated at outside testing facilities including environmental testing and measurement of properties of interest for armor ceramics. The program will culminate in the identification of preferred armor configurations based on weight, cost, and performance. These will be ballistically tested in the Phase I Option against the 20 mm FSP threat.