Investigation on Impact Strength Properties of Kevlar Fabric using Different Shear Thickening Fluid Composition

R. Joselin; W. Jacob Wilson

doi:10.14429/dsj.64.7322

R. Joselin C.S.I. Institute of Technology, Thovalai
W. Jacob Wilson C.S.I. Institute of Technology, Thovalai

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.64.7322

Keywords: Kevlar, Impact resistance, Scanning electron microscope, shear thickening fluid, Silane coupling agent

Abstract

Great interest has aroused in developing high impact resistant fabrics based on the incorporation of a shear thickening fluid (STF) into high performance fabrics (Kevlar). This work developed a shear thickening fluid enhanced fabrics and the influence of the shear thickening fluid types against spike impact and the impact resistance performance were investigated. Silica nano-particle impregnated Kevlar fabrics exhibit significantly enhanced ballistic performance while retaining flexibility. It was found that fabrics impregnated with functionalized nanoparticles offer multiple resistance to the penetration of a sharp impactor. The improvement in protection is traced by the formation of siloxane bonds during functionalization. It exhibits significant improvement in shear stiffness and aslight increase in tensile stiffness. The impact strength properties of all samples were tested using impact testingand quasi-static testing apparatuses. Chemical compositions and microscopic structures were analyzed with Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The current study clearly displays a significant enhancement in penetration resistance of Kevlar fabric impregnated with different combination of STF’s.

Defence Science Journal, Vol. 64, No. 3, May 2014, pp. 236-243, DOI:http://dx.doi.org /10.14429/dsj.64.7322

Author Biographies

R. Joselin, C.S.I. Institute of Technology, Thovalai

Mr R. Joselin Completed UG in JMIT, Chitradurga in the mechanical Engineering discipline and completed PG in the discipline of computer aided design in Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai. Now working as a Professor in Mechanical Engineering Department, C.S.I. Institute of Technology, Thovalai for the past 16 years also did research in the field of Acoustic Emission at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad. Having more than 14 National/International journal publications and 25 conference papers. Now working in the area of composite pressure vessels, power cables and NDT. Research contact with VSSC/ISRO, HAL etc.

W. Jacob Wilson, C.S.I. Institute of Technology, Thovalai

Mr W. Jacob Wilson, completed UG and PGin C.S.I. Institute of Technology, Thovalaiin the Mechanical Engineering discipline and now working as a Assistant Professorin Mechanical Engineering department, VELTech, Chennai for the past one year.