Abstract
Developing the shear thickening fluids (STF) which can be used for soft body armours requires an in depth study of various parameters related to its constituents so that a high critical viscosity along with high critical shear rate can be obtained. Shape of the constituting particles is one such important parameter. Elongated and nanosize particles provide high critical viscosity to the fluid, whereas spherical particles show high critical shear rates. STF were prepared using halloysite (Hal) nanotubes of different concentrations with fumed silica (spheres) and their rheological properties were studied. A better non-flocculated structure was obtained at 1% Hal in 20% fumed silica composition, exhibiting a critical viscosity of 25 Pas at a critical shear rate 160 s−1 as compared to that of only spherical particle STF (10 Pas and 200 s−1). The oscillatory tests revealed that this composition, with a better consistent reproducible behaviour and better stability than the STF without Hal, would be suitable as a high impact resistant material. Gel formation does not take place, rather the fluid behaves like a dispersed sol, making it a better choice for using with protective fabrics. The rheology was studied at different temperatures ranging from 0°C to 55°C.
New analysis and correlation between steady and oscillatory tests in fumed silica-based shear thickening fluids