Abstract:

Rheological fluids belong to the group of smart materials which can also form a component of some textile products. In this study shear thickening fluids (STF) and magnetorheological fluids (MRF) were synthesised. STF is a colloidal suspension of silica nanoparticles in an organic liquid carrier. The viscosity of STFs depends on the shear rate, which means that for a sufficiently high shear rate their properties change from the characteristic of a liquid to that typical for a solid body. This process is rapid and fully reversible. MRF is a noncolloid suspension of micrometric iron particles in a carrier liquid, usually oil. Under the action of an external magnetic field the particles form a chain-like structure and the MRFs change the viscosity, with their properties becoming characteristic of an elastic solid. In this study flexible body armours which are able to protect limbs were elaborated. Such systems can also be used for other flexible shields such as mates, blankets etc., as well as to find civilian applications, for example sport protective clothing.