Shear Thicking and Impact Resistance Properties of STG in Flexible Protection Application

Abstract

The rheological properties of shear thickening gel(STG) and its application as protective composite were studied in the paper. Upon applying a shear stress with excitation frequency from 1 Hz to 100 Hz, the storage modulus (G’) of the STG increases from 101 Pa to 105 Pa, demonstrating an excellent shear thickening effect. The reduction of temperature increases the G’min of STG, but when the temperature reaches at 50°C, the G’ curve shows a moderate slope and a gradual transition to the constant plateau value. By introducing STG into polyurethane foam and kevlar fiber with dip and dry method, successfully fabricate a nove safeguarding polymer composite. The protective performance of composite protective materials was studied by static compression experiment and drop hammer impact experiment. The addition of STG increases the impact resistance and puncture resistance of PU and kevlar by at least two times. The materials shows excellent shear stiffening effect, creep resisting and impact resistant propertie.