Effect of gas phase SiO 2 -shear thickening fluid system impregnation on stab resistance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber reinforced composite materials

In order to improve the performance of shear thickening fluid (STF), this study STF is prepared by using different polyethylene glycol (PEG)400 and PEG600 with mixture ratios, than five layers angular interlocking fabric is impregnated to make STF/Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite. The effect of PEG mixture ratio on mechanical properties of the composite is investigated by macroscopic rheological test, microscopic characterization and mechanical test. The mechanical properties of STF/UHMWPE fiber reinforced composite material, prepared with the mixing ratio of PEG400 to PEG600 of 1:3, exhibit optimal performance. With the increase of SiO2 content, the fiber fracture stress of composites with 30 wt% STF is increased by 25.35% and 22.18% compared with 20 wt% STF and the neat fabric, respectively. The maximum puncture load is increased by 53.3% compared with the neat fabric. It provides the basis for the development of high performance and comfortable flexible composite materials.