Chapter I

Introduction

In the past years, transitions and developments of the materials that came

from natural resources have been taking place. These improvements were

increased because of new additional knowledge about the ways to search and

create substances that can be made into a better performing material that is

affordable.

The benefits of plastics are unmatched by any other material. It is light,

easily shaped, strong, and inexpensive. Its ability to guard against contamination

makes it useful in sterile medical environments such as hospitals. Plastic

kitchenware offers a practical alternative to glass and ceramic dishes. Plastic

preserves flavor and freshness when used to store food and beverages. Leak-

proof and child-resistant plastic containers are useful for holding dangerous

household products such as bleach, ammonia, and other caustic cleaners.

Plastic packaging withstands the rigors of shipping, and plastic containers

provide good storage solutions at home and in the office.

Recycling and reusing plastic is important because it does not decay.

Plastics that are thrown away can be reused. For a high-quality plastic numerous

collected pieces of plastic may be combined as one.

Bulletproof vest is a material that helps absorb impacts of firearm-fired

projectiles and shrapnel’s from unnecessary explosions. It is armor that is worn

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that can help save the life of a person in such danger. Unfortunately, not all of us

can afford to buy ballistic vests because of its expensive cost that may vary

depending on its armor level, type of guns it can protect against, and other

projectiles it resists.

As the environmental products are becoming more complex and useful,

with the usage of plastic sheets and plastic acrylic as a bullet proof vest, making

a cheap one can be possible.

Background of the study

There is a need for understanding and reformation of attitudes and

concern towards the protection of our environment. Recognizing the importance

of the immediate recovery and effects of improper waste management and the

growing demand for cheaper body protection that even other countries seek to

find perfect alternatives for Kevlar trigger the researcher to evaluate the

effectiveness of plastic sheets and Plastic Acrylic as a primary component in

making bulletproof vests. Furthermore, this study also focuses on the use of

environmental recycled materials to degrade garbage.

Purpose of the study

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The purpose of the study is to lessen the Governments military expenses

by replacing Kevlar with Plastic sheets and Plastic acrylic, which in fact is

relatively cheaper than bulletproof vests. Plastic Sheets and Plastic Acrylic would

be used as the primary material instead of the expensive components of a

bulletproof vest. This also aims to provide efficient but cheaper protection for the

policemen of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the

Philippines. Some soldiers go to battle without body protection. But with this

study, we can at least provide them with cheaper bulletproof vests so that

soldiers will have protection during battles.

Statement of the Problem

This study intends to determine if plastic sheets and Plastic Acrylic could

be used as an efficient material for the replacement of Kevlar in bulletproof vests.

Specifically it sought to answer the following questions:

1. How much do plastic sheets affect the penetration of 9 millimeter and 45

caliber handguns?

2. Is the final product an effective and suitable replacement for Kevlar in

bulletproof vest?

Statement of Hypothesis

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H1 a. Plastic Sheets only affects the penetration of 9 millimeter and .45

caliber handguns.

b. Plastic sheets with Plastic Acrylic affect the penetration of 9 millimeter

and .45 caliber handguns.

c. Plastic sheets with Polyethylene affect the penetration of 9 millimeter

and .45 caliber handguns.

d. Plastic sheets with Plastic Acrylic and Polyethylene affect the

penetration of 9 millimeter and .45 caliber handgun.

H2. a. Plastic Sheets only does not affect the penetration of 9 millimeter

and .45 caliber handguns.

b. Plastic sheets with Plastic Acrylic do not affect the penetration of 9

millimeter and .45 caliber handguns.

c. Plastic sheets with Polyethylene do not affect the penetration of 9

millimeter and .45 caliber handguns.

d. Plastic sheets with Plastic Acrylic and Polyethylene do not affect the

penetration of 9 millimeter and .45 caliber handgun.

Significance of the Study

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With the continued rising of Governments military expenses, the need to

identify cheaper yet high-quality product is necessary. Soldiers often drive to

action without body protection thus, affecting their performance during battle. If

plastic materials could be proven as an efficient replacement for Kevlar, this

study would provide an affordable yet superb component in composing

bulletproof vests. Also, by constructing a Kevlar replacement using recyclable

materials, the environment would be much safer because people will lessen their

garbage by recycling it to produce new by-products. Moreover, this research

would also be used as a future reference for other researchers interested in

inventing new and environmentally safe sources of Kevlar.

Scope and Limitation

This study was conducted at Tagaytay City Science National High School

from July to August in the year 2013

The focus of this study is to test the effectiveness of plastic sheets, plastic

acrylic and polyethylene. Thus, it will be limited only to the output of the

respondents from Tartaria, Silang, Cavite’s policemen had provided such as data

and information that will come from the interview questionnaires distributed, as

well as the information from literatures that had been cited and reviewed.

Definition of Terms

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Bulletproof Vest- A vest capable of resisting the impact of a bullet.

Kevlar- The main and most expensive component of bulletproof vest.

Recycled materials- Raw or processed material that can be recovered from a

waste stream for reuse.

Polyethylene- A polymerized ethylene resin, used especially for containers,

kitchenware, and tubing, or in the form of films and sheets for packaging

Plastic sheets- a polymeric material that has the capability of being molded or

shaped, usually by the application of heat and pressure. This property of

plasticity, often found in combination with other special properties such as low

density, low electrical conductivity, transparency, and toughness, allows plastics

to be made into a great variety of products.

Ballistic Test- A comparative analysis of fired bullets and cartridge casings to

identify the firearm from which the bullets or cartridge casings were discharged

through the identification of the unique characteristics that each firearm imprints

on bullets and cartridge casings.

Plastic acrylics- artificial fiber made from a special group of vinyl compounds,

primarily acrylonitrile. Acrylic fibers are thermoplastic (i.e., soften when heated,

reharden upon (cooling), have low moisture regain, are low in density, and can

be made into bulky fabrics. They wash and dry easily and are dimensionally

stable. They are resistant to bleaches, dilute acids, and alkalies, and to

weathering and microbiological attack.

Conceptual Framework

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.

Experimental Flowchart

Preparation of recycled

materials

Collection of recycled

plastic sheets

Compression and sewing of

Plastic Sheets

Variation of materials in

each setup but with the same

weight

Testing each setups with 9 millimeter and .45 caliber

handgun to determine if which set of materials is suitable for the

replacement if Kevlar

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Research Paradigm

Preparation of Plastic sheets

Sewing and Compressing of Plastic Sheets

Setup 2Plastic sheets with

plastic acrylic

Ballistic Test

Setup 4Plastic sheets with polyethylene and

plastic acrylic

Setup 1

Plastic Sheets only

Setup 3Plastic sheets with

polyethylene

Control Setup

Ordinary Kevlar Vest

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Chapter II

The potential of recycled

material and Abaca scrunch as

replacement of Kevlar in

bulletproof vest.

Plastic sheets, recycled polyethylene and plastic acrylic can be used as an

alternative for Kevlar in bulletproof vest and effective against .45 caliber

and 9 millimeter rounds.

Experimentation:

Testing of 4 setups using .45

caliber and 9 millimeter

handguns.

Sewing and Compressing of

plastic sheets to minimize

thickness.

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Review of Related Literature

Based on the internet, a plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic

or semi-synthetic organic solids that are moldable. Plastics are typically organic

polymers of high molecular mass, but they often contain other substances. They

are usually synthetic, most commonly derived from petrochemicals, but many are

partially natural. Most plastics contain organic polymers. The vast majority of

these polymers are based on chains of carbon atoms alone or with oxygen,

sulfur, or nitrogen as well. The backbone is that part of the chain on the main

"path" linking a large number of repeat units together. To customize the

properties of a plastic, different molecular groups "hang" from the backbone

(usually they are "hung" as part of the monomers before the monomers are

linked together to form the polymer chain). The structures of these “side chains”

influence the properties of the polymer. This fine tuning of the properties of the

polymer by repeating unit's molecular structure has allowed plastics to become

an indispensable part of the twenty-first century world. Most plastics contain

other organic or inorganic compounds blended in. The amount of additives

ranges from zero percentage for polymers used to wrap foods to more than 50%

for certain electronic applications. The average content of additives is 20% by

weight of the polymer. Fillers improve performance and/or reduce production

costs. Stabilizing additives include fire retardants to lower the flammability of the

material. Many plastics contain fillers, relatively inert and inexpensive materials

that make the product cheaper by weight. Typically fillers are mineral in origin,

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e.g., chalk. Some fillers are more chemically active and are called reinforcing

agents. Since many organic polymers are too rigid for particular applications,

they are blended with plasticizers (the largest group of additives), oily

compounds that confer improved rheology. Colorants are common additives,

although their weight contribution is small. Many of the controversies associated

with plastics are associated with the additives. Organotin compounds are

particularly toxic.

The Philippines is looming with garbage problems despite the passage of

the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act or the Republic Act (RA)

9003. 2007 first quarter data from the National Solid Waste Management

Commission showsthat there are 677 open dumpsites, 343 controlled dumps,

and 21 landfills in the country. An additional 307 dump sites are subject for

closure or rehabilitation plans but without definite schedules for enforcement.

About 215 additional landfills are being proposed to be set up nationwide. About

1,000 open and controlled dump sites exist in the country. Prominent dumps all

over the country can be found in Antipolo and Montalban in Rizal; Baguio City;

Calapan, Mindoro Oriental; Carmen, Cagayan de Oro; Mandurriao, Iloilo City;

Obando, Bulacan; and San Pedro, Laguna. Environmentalists stress that

Republic Act 9003 calls for the adoption of the best environmental practices in

ecological waste management and explicitly excludes waste incineration as an

ecological option. These polluting disposal facilities are major sources of

greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere which adds to global warming.

Landfills and open dumps, according to studies, account for 34 percent of

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human-related methane emissions to the atmosphere, a global warming gas that

has 23 times more heat-trapping power than carbon dioxide. These landfills and

open dumps are illegall under RA9003.Incinerators, on the other hand, have

significantly higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions (per kilowatt) than a coal-

fired power plant when all of the carbon coming out of an incinerator stacks is

measured. Such emissions are banned by the country’s Clean Air Act. Inaction

on garbage contributes to the death of at least two persons every minute due to

complications from environmental problems, which could be prevented if the

country only developed a more efficient environmental management program

Mismanagement of waste has serious environmental consequences: ground and

surface water contamination, local flooding, air pollution, exposure to toxins, and

spread of disease. Many of the disposal sites contain infectious material, thus

threatening sanitation workers and waste-pickers.

Chapter III

Methodology

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This is a six week experimental research designed to evaluate the

potential of plastic sheets and plastic acrylic as an efficient material replacement

for Kevlar in bulletproof vests. The study is divided into two parts (1) determine

which materials affects the penetration of 9 millimeter, 45 caliber handgun (2)

determine the efficient materials that could be used as an alternative for Kevlar in

bulletproof vests.

Preparation of recycled materials

The proponent collected 800 sheets of used plastics from Divisoria and

then assured that the plastics are of the same type. Used polyethylene is also

collected from a sizzling house near Divisoria. After collecting plastics and

polyethylene, they are cut into a dimension of 6”x6”.

Reinforcing recycled materials and Preparation of Setups

Three combination of different types of plastic were prepared for the study

with combinations, Plastic Sheets only (setup 1), Plastic sheets with plastic

acrylic (setup 2), plastic sheets with polyethylene (setup 3), Plastic sheets with

polyethylene and plastic acrylic (setup 4) . Each setup ensures to be with the

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same weight of 5.06 kilos. On the other hand, the control setups were only

ordinary Kevlar vest which has a weight of 9 kilograms.

Ballistic Test

After preparing the experimental and control setups, each setup will be

encased in a fabric vest to bind them together. The vest will be placed down

properly on the ground. Using 9 millimeter and 45 caliber handguns the vest will

be shot three trials at 6 meters away from the incidence and another three trails

at 2 meters away.

Chapter IV

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Results and Discussions

Ballistic Test Results

First Setup

Both .45 caliber and 9 millimeter didn’t pierce through reinforced Plastic

sheets.

Second Setup

.45 caliber pistol at 6m and 2m away didn’t pierce through reinforced

plastic sheets and plastic acrylic and also the 9 millimeter pistol at 6m but

the 9 millimeter bullet pierced at 2m.

Third Setup

Both .45 caliber and 9 millimeter didn’t pierce through reinforced Plastic

sheets.

Fourth Setup

Both .45 caliber and 9 millimeter didn’t pierce through reinforced Plastic

sheets.

2. a. Plastic Sheets only is a suitable replacement for Kevlar in bulletproof

vests.

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b. . Plastic sheets with plastic acrylic is a suitable replacement for Kevlar

in bulletproof vest against a .45 caliber pistol but not for a 9 millimeter

pistol.

c. Plastic sheets with Polyethylene is a suitable replacement for Kevlar in

bulletproof vests.

d. Plastic sheets with polyethylene and plastic acrylic is a suitable

replacement for Kevlar in bulletproof vest.

First trial (6m Distance)

Setups Material

Combination

.45 caliber

penetration

9 millimeter

penetration

First setup Plastic Sheets only Did not penetrate Did not penetrate

Second setup Plastic sheets with

plastic acrylic

Did not penetrate Did not penetrate

Third setup Plastic sheets with

Polyethylene

Did not penetrate Did not penetrate

Fourth setup Plastic sheets with

Polyethylene and

plastic acrylic

Did not penetrate Did not penetrate

Control setup Steel plate Kevlar Did not penetrate Did not penetrate

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Second trial (2m Distance)

Setups Material

Combination

.45 caliber

penetration

9 millimeter

penetration

First setup Plastic Sheets only Did not penetrate Did not penetrate

Second setup Plastic sheets with

plastic acrylic

Did not penetrate Penetrated

Third setup Plastic sheets with

Polyethylene

Did not penetrate Did not penetrate

Fourth setup Plastic sheets with

Polyethylene and

plastic acrylic

Did not penetrate Did not penetrate

Control setup Steel plate Kevlar Did not penetrate Did not penetrate

Discussion

.When the bullets were fired, plastic acrylic and polyethylene sheets

extremely slowed the bullet down causing the .45 caliber bullet to be trapped in

the plastic sheets due to its elasticity that served as a drag for the bullet further

slowing it down. When the 9 millimeter was fired it pierced more sheets

compared to the .45 caliber due to its effectiveness ranged of 50 meters, it was

only able to penetrate the second setup at a range of 2m.

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Chapter V

Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

Summary of Findings

The purpose of the study was to find out if reinforced plastic sheets is a

suitable replacement for Kevlar in bulletproof vest the sets was tested against

both .45 caliber and 9 millimeter handguns at a range of six and two meters. Test

results showed that all of the set-ups except the second were effective against

both .45 caliber and 9 millimeter rounds. Result showed that the reinforced

plastic sheets together with plastic acrylic and polyethylene sheets exhibited

significant bulletproofing potential based on the test its therefore concluded that

reinforced Plastic sheets lined with polyethylene sheets and plastic acrylic is a

suitable replacement for Kevlar in bulletproof vest.

Conclusions

The following conclusions were derived from the findings.

1. a. Plastic Sheets only affects the penetration of .45 caliber and 9

millimeter rounds.

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b. Plastic sheets with plastic acrylic affects the penetration of .45 caliber

6m and 2m and 9 millimeter rounds at 6m only.

c. Plastic sheets with Polyethylene affects the penetration of .45 caliber

and 9 millimeter rounds.

d. Plastic sheets with polyethylene and plastic acrylic affects the

penetration of .45 caliber and 9 millimeter rounds.

2. a. Plastic Sheets only is a suitable replacement for Kevlar in bulletproof

vest

b. . Plastic sheets with plastic acrylic is a suitable replacement for Kevlar

in bulletproof vest against .45 caliber but not against 9 millimeter rounds.

c. Plastic sheets with polyethylene is a suitable replacement for Kevlar in

bulletproof vest.

d. Plastic sheets with polyethylene and plastic acrylic is a suitable

replacement for Kevlar in bulletproof vest.

Recommendations

The following recommendations are given based on the findings and

conclusions of the study:

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1. Other types of plastic should be used to maximize the effectiveness of the

vest

2. Further testing should be done to find out if other materials combined with

reinforced plastic sheets would be effective against different bullet rounds.

3. Further research should be done to find ways in minimizing the weight of

the vest.

4. Further research should be done to find ways in minimizing the thickness

of the vest.

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Bibliography

Anderson, J and D Van Atta (1990)."Standoff Over Bullet-Proof Vest

Standard," Washington Post.p. B-9.

Berlin, RH, B Janzon,BRybeck, J Sandegård and T Seeman (1977). Local

effects of assault rifle bullets in live tissues. Part II. Further studies in live

tissues and relations to some simulant media; ActaChir. Scand. Suppl. 477, 1–

48.

Chapnick, H (1982). "The Need for Body Armor," Popular Photography.pp.

62+.

Christenhusz and MJM(2009).”Typification of ornamental plants: Musa textilis

(Musaceae)”. Phytotaxa 2: 53-54. (s.i).

Edwards and TD(1995) "Felonious killings of state police and highway

patrol officers: a descriptive and comparative evaluation", American Journal of

Police,Vol. 14 Iss: 2, pp.89 – 105

Fackler ML and JA Malinowski (1988). Ordnance gelatin for Ballistic

Studies – Detrimental Effect of Excess Heat Used in Gelatin Preparation; The

American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology 9(3): 218–219.Hendrickx

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K (1904). “The Origins of Banana-fiber cloth in the Ryukyus, Japan”.Farmers'

bulletin.Studiaanthropologica (Leuven University Press) 11: 170.Kahovec, J; RB

Fox and K Hatada (2002)."Nomenclature of regular single-strand organic

polymers (IUPAC Recommendations 2002)".Pure and Applied Chemistry74 (10):

1921. doi:10.1351/pac200274101921.

Lee, BL; TF Walsh; ST Won; HM Patts and AH Mayer (2001)."Penetration

Failure Mechanisms of Armor-Grade Fiber Composites under Impact".Journal of

Composite Materials35 (18): 1605–1633. doi:10.1106/YRBH-JGT9-U6PT-L555.

Lee, YS; ED Wetzel and NJ Wagner (2003)."The ballistic impact

characteristics of Kevlar woven fabrics impregnated with a colloidal shear

thickening fluid". Journal of Materials Science38 (13): 2825–2833.

doi:10.1023/A:1024424200221

Williams, A (2003). The Knight and the Blast Furnace: A History of the

Metallurgy of Armour in the Middle Ages & the Early Modern Period. Boston

Brill Academic Publishers.

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Appendices

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Appendix IQuestionnaire

Name: ________________ Date: ____________________

Age: __________________ Sex: ____________________

Address: _________________

Direction: Read each question and decide to what extent you like and do not like

the product. Give your immediate response that best describes you preferences

regarding the questions by checking.

5 - Strongly Agree

4 - Agree

3 - Uncertain

2 - Disagree

1 - Strongly Agree

5 4 3 2 1

1. Are the materials of the vest

easy to get and relatively

easy to make?

2. Is the performance of the vest

enough for its price

3. Is the vest overall effective

4. Finally, are the advantages

enough to compensate for its

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disadvantages

Appendix IIEvaluation

CHART SHOWING THE RESPONSE OF THE PARTICIPANTS ON THE

PRODUCT

Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 40

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

54321

The proponents used set-up 4 which performed the best, to be tested by

the police. 15 policemen were asked by the researchers to give opinions

regarding the components, performance, and effectiveness of the vest with .45

caliber and 9mm pistols and if the vest can replace a Kevlar vest. As for the first

question, 15 people strongly agreed that the materials of the vest are easy to get

and make. With the statement the performance of the vest is enough for its price

13 people strongly agree that the vest’s performance is enough for its price

although 2 are uncertain. The overall effectiveness of the vest was strongly

favored by 11 people, 3 people favored and only 2 people were uncertain. 11

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people strongly agreed that the advantages of the vest outweigh the

disadvantages, 3 people agreed and only 2 people were uncertain. Based on the

data gathered from the policemen, it was concluded that plastic materials is an

effective bulletproof vest.

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CURRICULUM

VITAE

Page 27

Name: Drexel Jan L. Zulueta

Address: No. 32 Purok 90 Brgy. Mag-Asawang Ilat Tagaytay City

Date of Birth: January 10, 1998

Place of Birth: Tondo, Manila

Age: 15 years old

Sex: Male

Nationality: Filipino

Religion: Born Again Christian

Name of Father: Dennis T. Zulueta Occupation: Businessman

Name of Mother: Maria Lourdes L. Zulueta Occupation: Housewife

Scholastic Records:

Elementary: Centex Manila

Year Graduated: 2009-2010

Secondary: Tagaytay City Science National High School (Special Science

Curriculum)

Scholastic Achievements:

Elementary: Most Trustworthy

Secondary: 2nd Place School Science Fair

3rd Place in Regional Science Fair

Top 15 in Project Tuklas sponsored by Shell

Best in Research School Year 2012-2013

Membership in School Organizations:

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Escort-Science Club (School Level)s

Escort-English Club (School Level)

Escort-TLE Club (School Level)

Escort-Filipino Club (Year Level)

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