26 26 Volume 63 Issue 1 September 2013 Pages 26-35 International Scientific Journal published monthly by the World Academy of Materials and Manufacturing Engineering © Copyright by International OCSCO World Press. All rights reserved. 2013 Composite materials with the polymeric matrix applied to ballistic shields M. Rojek a , M. Szymiczek a, *, J. Stabik a , A. Mężyk b , K. Jamroziak c , E. Krzystała b , J. Kurowski d a Institute of Engineering Materials and Biomaterials, Silesian University of Technology, ul. Konarskiego 18a, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland b Department of Applied Mechanics, Silesian University of Technology, ul. Konarskiego 18a, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland c Faculty of Security Sciences, General Tadeusz Kosciuszko Military Academy of Land Forces, ul. Czajkowskiego 109, 51-150 Wrocław, Poland d Company Kompozyty®, ul. Topolowa 5, 55-200 Stanowice, Poland * Corresponding e-mail address: malgorzata.szymiczek@polsl.pl Received 03.06.2013; published in revised form 01.09.2013 ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of the series of research is drawing up an alternative armour plate with the composite structure, which would be resistant to 7.62 and 5.56 caliber bullets fired from the weapons the Polish army is equipped with. Design/methodology/approach: The research embraced the composite materials with epoxy matrix reinforced with the fiberglass in the shape of mat or fabric, and steel mesh. Three sheets of epoxy-glass composite were made on which ceramic panels were glued. Findings: The result of the presented work is the assessment of the quality of examined samples. As a criterion was adopted the behaviour of the material under the shellfire, its defragmentation, puncture and destruction. Research limitations/implications: The research was limited to composite materials with the epoxy matrix and reinforcement of fiberglass in the form of mat or fabric. In the next stage of the research the application of aramid fibers reinforcement is planned. Practical implications: Practical implications Worked out the construction material systems make the basis for further analysis and optimization of materials applied as the alternative for heavy army vehicles. Such application enables the minimization of the weight of a vehicle. Originality/value: Paper presents innovative composites polymer materials applied for ballistic protection of lightweight armed vehicles. Keywords: Composites; Ceramic materials; Engineering materials; Ballistic tests Reference to this paper should be given in the following way: M. Rojek, M. Szymiczek, J. Stabik, A. Mężyk, K. Jamroziak, E. Krzystała, J. Kurowski, Composite materials with the polymeric matrix applied to ballistic shields, Archives of Materials Science and Engineering 63/1 (2013) 26-35. MATERIALS