Synergistic Effects of Needle Punching and Shear-Thickening Fluid on Sandwich-Structured Composites Made of Nonwoven and Woven Fabrics

This study explores the influences of needle punching and a shear-thickening fluid (STF) on the stab resistance sandwich-structured composites made of nylon nonwoven and aramid fabrics. Needle punching and different treatments of aramid fabric are conducted to obtain the composites. The effects of needle punching and different treatments of aramid fabrics on the sandwich-structured composites were examined using quasi-static puncture resistance, quasi-static stab resistance, dynamic puncture resistance, and bursting property tests. Results show that needle punching and incorporation of STF positively influence the stab resistance of the composites. This study provides an innovative method to reduce the number of lamination layers and decrease the weight.