Method for Characterizing the Rate-dependent Behavior of Aramid Fibers Coated with Shear Thickening Fluids

Due to their high specific strength, specific stiffness, and toughness, aramid fabrics have been used in various applications, especially those involving bulletproofing. The bulletproof capability and mechanical properties of aramid fabrics can be enhanced at the mesoscale with shear thickening fluid (STF) coatings; however, little is known about the microscale characteristics of STF-coated aramid fabrics. This study aimed to investigate the microscale rate-dependent behavior of STF-coated single aramid fibers inside aramid yarns using a newly proposed testing method, in which a high shear rate is applied to STF-coated yarns and fibers in a single-fiber pull-out test.