Lambert V., Mahfuz H., Bordner P.
Florida Atlantic University, US
Keywords: nanoparticles, shear thickening fluid, silane, stab resistance
Enhancing a flexible body armor using the Shear Thickening Fluid theory (STF) with use of SiO2 nanoparticles has shown good results regarding the stab resistance. A completely new approach based on investigations demonstrates that silated silica particles with no addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) has shown better results in stab resistance (NIJ Spike Test). This approach discards the STF theory and indicates that stab resistance properties are governed by cohesion between silica particles and Kevlar fibers. The organo-silane used to functionalize the silica particles appears to be the coupling agent between the nanoparticles and the Kevlar fabric: removing PEG increases the amount of bonds to the fibers and therefore increases the performances of the body armor. Finding a way to enhance the bonds between the particles and the fibers is in progress using an aldehyde compound: glutaraldehyde, as a fixative cross linker between amino groups present in the silane.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2008: Materials, Fabrication, Particles, and Characterization – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 202 - 205
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Composite Materials
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8503-7