This study aims to produce single- and dual-phase shear thickening fluids (STF) by nonylphenol ethoxylate (NP10) and polyethylene glycol (PEG400) containing boron carbide and silica particles to improve the ballistic performance of aramid fabrics. Shear thickening behaviour was not observed in single-phase liquids containing boron carbide produced with PEG400 and NP10 liquids. In this case, dual-phase STFs were made using NP10 and PEG400 liquids containing 30% and 40% boron carbide and silica particles by mass. The STF behaviour was seen in a liquid made of NP10 with 30% B4C/Si (1/2) particles. The STFs were impregnated into Twaron® aramid fabrics and tested for their ballistic performance against 9mm FMJ RN (8g) lead projectiles according to NIJ type IIA. The distribution of STF samples on aramid fibres was analysed through scanning electron microscope images. Dual-phase STFs were produced using PEG400 and NP10 liquids containing 30% B4C/Si (1/2) and 40% B4C/Si (1/1) particles; however, these were inadequate to provide ballistic protection in 15-layer aramid specimens. Liquids comprising B4C and silica particles could be offered as a novel dual-phase STF for body armour to provide lightweight and ballistic protection. However, the findings of this study were not effective. The effect of increasing the amount of silica particles in dual-phase STF samples will be investigated in the next research. ORCID NO: 0000-0003-3836-5569
Anahtar Kelimeler: Shear thickening fluid, Boron carbide, Aramid fabric, Ballistic test
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