Surya Pranowo, Maming, Abdul Karim, Bulkis Musa, Wildan Mubaraq, Rizal Irfandi, Erna Mayasari, Indah Raya
Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized from commercial graphite using a modified Hummers method and subsequently reduced with Zn powder to obtain reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The rGO was incorporated into a polyurethane matrix to fabricate lightweight, ballistic-resistant composites. Structural characterization by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) confirmed the successful reduction of GO, evidenced by the restoration of aromatic C=C bonding, a decrease in interlayer spacing, and sheet-like morphology. Mechanical testing revealed that increasing graphene content significantly enhanced the compressive and tensile strength of the composites. Ballistic testing using a 0.22-caliber firearm demonstrated that polyurethane composites containing ≥ 1.0 wt% rGO effectively resisted projectile penetration, whereas neat polyurethane and composites with lower graphene content were fully penetrated. These results demonstrate that graphite-derived graphene can substantially improve the mechanical integrity and ballistic resistance of polyurethane composites, highlighting its potential as a candidate material for lightweight personal protection systems. ©2026 The authors.
Laboratorium of Forensic, South Sulawesi Regional Police Laboratory, Makassar, 90241, Indonesia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, 90244, Indonesia
