Hybridizing Shear-Stiffening Gel and Chemically-Strengthened Ultrathin Glass Sheets for Flexible Impact-Resistant Armor

Xuchao Wang ¹, Zijing Zhang ¹, Zhihua Liang ¹

⁰Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China.

Advanced Science (weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) +

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June 28, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

A new flexible composite armor, PCCL, combines shear-stiffening gel with ultrathin glass sheets. This novel material offers superior impact resistance and flexibility, ideal for protecting complex shapes.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Composite Materials
Mechanical Engineering

Background

Traditional armors lack flexibility due to stiff materials, limiting protection for complex or deformable objects.
Existing flexible armors often compromise impact resistance for enhanced pliability.
A need exists for advanced armor solutions balancing flexibility and robust impact protection.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop a novel composite material overcoming the inherent conflict between flexibility and impact resistance in armors.
To investigate the potential of shear-stiffening gels and ultrathin glass sheets in creating advanced protective materials.
To demonstrate a new armor capable of protecting objects with complex geometries.

Main Methods

A composite material (PCCL) was engineered by hybridizing a shear-stiffening gel matrix with chemically-strengthened ultrathin glass sheets (CSGS) as reinforcement.
The mechanical properties of the PCCL were evaluated under varying strain rates to assess its performance.
The composite's ability to absorb energy and provide rigidity was analyzed.

Main Results

The developed PCCL composite exhibits exceptional flexibility and high impact resistance.
At low strain rates, the material demonstrates high ductility, allowing significant deformation.
At high strain rates, the shear-stiffening gel matrix enhances rigidity and energy absorption, providing excellent impact resistance.

Conclusions

The PCCL composite successfully integrates high flexibility with robust impact resistance.
This novel material is ideally suited for protecting vulnerable objects with curved or complex geometries from impact.
The findings present a significant advancement in the field of flexible armor technology.

Keywords:

chemical strengthening energy absorption protective armor shear stiffening