Intelligent safeguarding Leather with excellent energy absorption via the toughness-flexibility coupling designation. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fan, Ziyang; Zhao, Chunyu; Wu, Jianpeng; Cai, Yibing; Zhou, Jianyu; Zhang, Junshuo; Gong, Xinglong; Xuan, Shouhu
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 161(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: A. Smart materials -- B. Impact behaviour -- B. Wear -- D Mechanical testing; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.107078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlight : Designing a novel toughness and flexibility coupling structure for next-generation soft body armor. Combining biocompatible materials (leather) with raterelated material (shear stiffening gel) to fabricate the Leather/CNT-SSG/PU. Novel Leather/CNT-SSG/PU coupling structure possesses high impact energy absorption, high limit ballistic penetration velocity, and special stress wave dissipation ability. Constructing an intelligent bulletproof vest with excellent anti-impact performance and in situ monitoring behavior. Abstract: High-performance intelligent body armors with both soft wearability and good energy absorption are increasingly required in modern social life. Leather, a breathable, pliable, and tough natural material has extensive applications in the anti-impact field. In this study, a multifunctional Leather/CNT-SSG/PU sandwich structure with high energy absorption and excellent sensing monitoring properties is designed by integrating tough leather and flexible conductive shear stiffening gel (CNT-SSG). The maximum force dissipation capacity of the Leather/CNT-SSG/PU reaches 84 % in the drop hammer test and the limit penetration velocity up to 142.4 m/s in the ballistic test. Moreover, the Leather/CNT-SSG/PU exhibits excellent stress wave dissipation properties due to the hierarchical structure. By introducing the interdigital electrode array on the non-woven fabric layer, a bulletproof vest (Leather/CNT-SSG/NWF) with intelligent anti-impact performance and in situ monitoring behavior is successfully achieved. This toughness and flexibility coupling designation provides a novel method for next-generation soft body armor.