Breathable and impact-resistant shear thickening gel based three-dimensional woven fabric composites constructed by an efficient weaving strategy for wearable protective equipment

External low-velocity impacts (LVI) inevitably endanger human body health, yet attaining wear comfort and impact resistance simultaneously in protective equipment is challenging. Herein, flock-reinforced shear thick-ening gel (FRSTG) was demonstrated to display exceptional shear thickening behavior above the critical shear frequency (80.5 Hz). Three-dimensional (3D) shaped woven fabrics with folded structures were efficiently realized on a modified loom assembled with double warp beams and asynchronous self-reversal let-off systems, then 3D FRSTG/woven fabric composites were manufactured through a facile inclusion procedure. The sizing effect of FRSTG on the yarns resulted in enhanced mechanical properties of the composites. Attributed to the folded structures, the composites exhibited desired flexibility and innovatively achieved breathability (79.473 mm/s). They also performed responsive LVI resistance owing to the shear thickening effect of FRSTG and structural advantages of 3D shaped woven fabric. Furthermore, wearable protective applications based on those composites were evidenced to integrate breathability and LVI resistance.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the application of flock-reinforced shear thickening gel in protective equipment. Three-dimensional woven fabrics with folded structures were efficiently manufactured using a modified loom, and 3D FRSTG/woven fabric composites were produced through a simple inclusion procedure. These composites exhibit flexibility and breathability, and show responsive impact resistance. Wearable protective applications prove the integration of breathability and impact resistance in these composites.