Improving the impact resistance performance of Kevlar fabrics using silica based shear thickening fluid

Impact energy absorption capacity of Kevlar woven fabrics has been improved using silica particle based shear thickening fluid (STF). The influence of padding pressure and silica concentration in STF on add-on%, yarn pull out force and impact energy absorption has been studied. Higher padding pressure reduces the STF add-on%, but increases the impact energy absorption. Therefore, it is possible to achieve enhanced impact energy absorption performance at lower STF add-on%, i.e. lower fabric weight. It is also understood that the yarn to yarn friction, as measured by the quasi-static yarn pull-out force, only partially influences the impact performance of STF treated Kevlar woven fabrics.

► Impact energy absorption of Kevlar has been improved using shear thickening fluid (STF).
► Influence of STF concentration and padding pressure on add-on% and impact energy absorption has been studied.
► Higher padding pressure reduces add-on% but increases the impact energy absorption.
► Enhanced impact energy absorption can be achieved at lower STF add-on%.
► Friction is only partially influence the impact performance of Kevlar fabrics.