Encapsulation of shear thickening fluid as an easy to-apply impact-resistant material

In this investigation, a hard-to-handle shear thickening fluid (STF) is successfully encapsulated for easy handling and re-processing. The encapsulated STF is a promising impact-resistant material. Double walled macroscopic STF capsules are synthesized using a convenient process by instilling diluted STF droplets into reaction solution. The obtained STF capsules show good shear thickening response to dynamic impact in comparison to quasi-static compression (154 times higher absorbed nominal strain energy). The capsules' robustness and capacity to absorb impact energy can be adjusted by varying the reaction time and the amount of chloroform in the reaction solution. This innovative method opens a new window to design and manufacture versatile impact-resistant materials and structures.