Impact response of layered composite material for sport wear

Abstract

This report aims to evaluate the impact response of thermoplastic composites to be used in shin guards. Different fabrication parameters were tested to determine a suitable fabrication method for thermoplastic composites. Impact testing was then conducted on the thermoplastic composite specimens to compare the impact response with commercial shin guards. The results of the impact testing were positive as the thermoplastic composite shin guards were able to reduce peak force better than commercially available shin guards. The thermoplastic shin guards also had a relatively low impulse value. Therefore, thermoplastic composite is deemed a suitable material to replace polyethylene and polypropylene in shin guards.