Influence of Weave Patterns on the Mechanical Properties of Nigerian-Sourced Kenaf Fibers for Ballistic Applications

Abstract

Natural fibers, such as kenaf, are increasingly recognized as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibers in composite materials due to their environmental benefits and mechanical properties. However, the influence of weave patterns on the mechanical performance of kenaf fibers, particularly for ballistic applications, remains underexplored. This study investigates the effect of eight different weave patterns on the tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness, and impact resistance of Nigerian-sourced kenaf fibers, aiming to identify optimal configurations for ballistic protection. Eight (8) different weave orientations were prepared, studied and compared. The woven fibres were produced by the interlacing of warp and weft yarns in a 0o/90o orientation. The fibers were subjected to standardized mechanical testing (tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness and impact resistance) to assess their performance across the different orientations. Results obtained indicate that the plain (1-1 interlock), Double Weft twill and Basket patterns showed superior mechanical properties in terms of the tensile strength due to their tight interlocking pattern which provides enhanced load distribution. The double weft plain, the simple plain and the combination plain showed better flexibility and impact resistance which are beneficial for applications requiring energy absorption. The results of this study indicate that kenaf fibre is a viable sustainable material for ballistic resistance.