Mechanical and microstructural properties of cameroonian bauxite ceramics for ballistic applications

Abstract Thermal reactions of bauxite, kaolin, and talc compound were investigated at 1550°C to obtain high rigidity ceramic for ballistic applications. The compressed strength and density of the bauxite ceramics with kaolin and talc substitutions varied from 195 to 455 MPa and density from 2.85 to 4.05 g/cm ³ . The Young’s modulus varied from 107 GPa to 222 GPa with water absorption varying from 1.4 wt% to 5.9 wt% for 0 wt% and 15 wt% substitution of kaolin. The substitution of bauxite‐kaolin by talc up to 7.5 wt% contributes to the resorption of microporosity and increase the Young's modulus from 107 to 195 GPa. The XRD of bauxite ceramic with kaolin substitution showed the presence of corundum and mullite; whereas the XRD of bauxite ceramic with kaolin and talc substitution showed the presence of corundum, mullite, and spinel. The ballistic simulation with abaqus dassult SIMULA using the JH‐2 model predict that an impact with velocity of 525 to 810 m/s on the 10 mm thick bauxite ceramic does not erode or damage for a projectile consisting of tungsten alloy with dimensions: 12 mm in diameter, 61.5 mm length, and 72 g of mass. The bauxite ceramics can be used for ballistic applications.