Optimization of Processing Parameter for Optimal Performance of Dyneema HB50 Composite

The present work is an experimental study to evaluate the performance of a new composite material Dyneema HB50, one of the types of Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based composite material, for ballistic applications, viz. bullet proof vests and helmets. This material can also be use in various other purposes where tensile strength is main concern with temperature range like aircrafts, submarines, space technology. A three factor, three-level Taguchi experimental design was employed for maximizing ultimate tensile strength ( UTS) of Dyneema HB50 composite based on different experimental data obtained in L9 orthogonal array. Three independent variables pressure ranging from 100 to 180 Kg/cm2. The temperature and time ranges from 125 to 135 °C and 10 to 20 min as × 1, × 2 and × 3, coded at three consecutive levels (1, 2 and 3) and then to evaluate the responses. The regression equation is obtained. The significance of the independent variables and their interactions were obtained by variance analysis (ANOVA) with a 95% confidence limit (= 0.05). The optimized process parameters pressure, temperature, and time were 100 Kg/cm2, 152 °C, and 10 min, respectively.