Deconstructing the role of shear thickening fluid in enhancing the impact resistance of high-performance fabrics

The role of shear thickening fluid (STF) in enhancing the impact resistance of STF treated fabrics has long been debated. There is a need to clarify whether the dominant mechanism of energy absorption is shear thickening (dilatancy) or friction enhancement. This study establishes that the inherent shear thickening behaviour of STF has a decisive role to play other than just improving the yarn to yarn friction. Kevlar® 363 and Kevlar® 802 F...