Blast Protection with Shear-Thickening Fluid-Integrated Composites

This chapter presents a comprehensive and in-depth overview of the blast (shock wave) properties of textile-based composites treated with shear-thickening fluids (STFs). The chapter commences with an introduction to STFs, emphasizing their distinctive characteristics and applications. The mechanisms underlying the shear-thickening behavior are extensively discussed, providing insights into the underlying processes. Subsequently, the focus shifts toward the rheological properties of STFs, encompassing their viscosity and flow characteristics under diverse conditions. Understanding of the rheological properties is essential for comprehending the response of STFs when subjected to blast. The chapter then delves into the process of impregnating textiles with STF, exploring various methods and techniques employed to achieve effective impregnation. Impregnating textiles with STF facilitates the development of protective materials with enhanced resistance against blasts. The primary emphasis of the chapter lies in investigating the blast properties exhibited by textiles treated with STFs. This entails a thorough analysis of studies conducted in this area, including experimental investigations and numerical simulations. The review highlights the progress made in evaluating the blast resistance and protective capabilities of textiles treated with STFs.