Novel shear thickening gel/high‐performance fiber reinforced flexible composites: Multi‐velocity impact and functional properties

Abstract

Abstract Shear thickening gel (STG) is a promising substrate used for flexible protective materials, which has superior dimensional stability without gel side leakage and delamination when sustaining long‐standing time. STG/high‐performance fiber flexible composites exhibit high‐energy absorption capacity for multi‐velocity impact. This article reveals the shear thickening mechanism of STG that lays a theoretical foundation for the performance analysis of STG composites. The preparation methods of STG/high‐performance fiber flexible composites, including impregnation, hand lay‐up, filling, and lamination methods, are compared. The energy absorption principle of STG/high‐performance fiber flexible composites on multi‐velocity impact and the destruction morphology was analyzed. The coupling effects and functional applications of STG functional composites with nanoparticles, magnetic particles, and conductive particles are summarized. It provides more suitable conditions for designing new multifunctional protective equipment and manufacturing advanced intelligent, protective devices.