Shear Thickening Fluid Armour - Poject Idea

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a project idea involving shear thickening fluids (STF) and their application in enhancing the ballistic resistance of Kevlar. Participants explore experimental designs, potential testing methods, and the feasibility of using different firearms for testing the effectiveness of STF-treated materials against penetration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes testing various configurations of Kevlar and STF layers to assess their effectiveness against ballistic penetration, including different thicknesses and combinations.
  • Another participant references a patent by Norman Wagner that involves similar testing methods, suggesting that the original poster could confirm or refute these results with their own experiments.
  • Some participants caution against using a shotgun for testing due to its ballistic properties, recommending instead the use of specific handgun or rifle rounds that are more relevant for body armor testing.
  • Concerns are raised about the availability of firearms in the UK, with suggestions to adjust the project focus to determine the minimum thickness of STF-treated material needed to stop shotgun penetration.
  • There are discussions about the possibility of using alternative materials or mixtures in the STF, including clay particles, to enhance performance.
  • Participants suggest reaching out to local gun ranges or police departments for assistance in conducting the tests, emphasizing the importance of using appropriate ammunition for credible results.
  • One participant mentions the importance of controlling shot spread by adjusting the distance from which the gun is fired.
  • Safety considerations are discussed, including the recommendation to use a padded vise for the firearm during testing.
  • Questions arise about the strength of the STF and the potential need to adjust the thickness or amount of STF used based on initial test results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the best methods for testing and the types of firearms to use. There is no consensus on the optimal approach, and multiple competing views remain on how to proceed with the project.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations related to the availability of firearms in the UK and the regulatory challenges that may impact the project. There are also unresolved questions about the specific performance characteristics of STF and its effectiveness in various configurations.

  • #31
Fumed Silica is used commonly to thicken products. An industry workhorse is Aerosol 200 from Degussa. It has a primary crystal size of 7 nm. To make it work properly you need to mix it with high shear to disperse it properly. For this you need a homogenizer or high speed mixer. A stick blender might do the job. Proper dispersal will make a big difference to the thickening properties of this mixture.

Pretty sure silica/water mixture liquifiy under shear; the opposite of what you want. Maybe silica/glycols are different.

Nano silica foam is Aerogel isn't it? Made from sio2 condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate.
 
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  • #32
FerroSurfTech said:
A stick blender might do the job. Proper dispersal will make a big difference to the thickening properties of this mixture.

Pretty sure silica/water mixture liquifiy under shear; the opposite of what you want. Maybe silica/glycols are different.

Nano silica foam is Aerogel isn't it? Made from sio2 condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate.

I been think of doing a project along these lines to. You could get Lumira® Aerogel granules put that in blender. Plus there something that is harder then glass... And you can buy in 500 nm or less diamond powder! Do you guys think it would work? Or is just glass that works in work in the gel
 
  • #33
Gosh, i sure hope this thread is still active.

Hey, i was interested in creating some STF too. Where can i purchase Silicon dioxide( Silica Power), ethylene glycol, and ethanol. Is Diatomaceous Earth a good source of silica powder? Depending on the brand it can be 80 to 90% silica. Would these attributes suffice considering that the other 10% is Alumina and Iron Oxide? I am not sure that the silica particles would be small enough considering it is just crushed micro organism fossils. Would a better source of silica be women's make-up? I read somewhere that certain types contain it.

But an even better source would be a professional chemical distribution company. If you know of any it would be of great help.
 
  • #34
_Greg_ said:
Hi

The STF is made up of silica particles (400-500nm) mixed with ethylene glycol, which is then diluted with ethanol for easier absorption into the kevlar.

Interesting to find someone doing experiments. I was also thinking about making liquid armor but I have problem finding silica nanoparticles in my country. But I did find silica dioxide powder but it's particle size is 3000-4000nm. Would these particles work enough effectively? Don't want to risk buying 10kg bag if it's useless. Here's link to product: http://www.topplastas.lt/?id=4&cat=9

I guess any liquid medium could be used but PEG is more stable and take temperature extremes. Maybe antifreeze or even oil would work.
 

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