Penetration Resistance of High-Performance Textiles Treated with CNT-Reinforced STF

Abstract

In this chapter, we investigate the effect of reinforcing high-performance textiles with carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced shear-thickening fluid (STF) to improve their performance against penetration. STF is a suspension that exhibits a sudden increase in viscosity under mechanical stress, transforming from a low-viscosity liquid to a high-viscosity solid-like state. This remarkable behavior makes STF an attractive candidate for improving the protective capabilities of textiles. To provide a practical demonstration, we conducted a case study involving the production of samples of STF and CNT-reinforced STF-impregnated high-performance textiles. The chapter describes the preparation method for STF and CNT-reinforced STF, along with the impregnation process of textiles with these modified fluids. We employed a drop tower–based impact test system to assess the energy absorption capabilities of the textile targets for three impact energy levels. The obtained results highlight the enhanced penetration resistance offered by CNT-reinforced STF textiles compared to other samples. The findings from our case study underscore the positive influence of CNT incorporation into STF-treated textiles, improving their ability to withstand impact forces. These results contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of protective textiles and offer valuable insights for the development of advanced protective materials. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.