Puncture Resistance Enhancement of Woven Fabrics Using Concentrated Nanosilica Suspension

This study focuses on the puncture resistance performance of woven high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric impregnated with shear-thickening fluids (STFs) composed of fumed silica nanoparticles suspended in polyethylene glycol (PEG). The puncture resistance performance of STF-treated HMPP fabrics were evaluated by the quasi-static puncture test. The results showed that the STF-treated fabric exhibited significant enhancement in puncture resistance performance as compared to neat fabric. The possible improving mechanisms responsible for puncture resistance performance of STF-treated fabric were also discussed.