Statistical study of performance properties to impact of Kevlar® woven impregnated with Non-Newtonian Fluid (NNF)

This investigative work was carry out through a factorial planning, using Design of Experiment (DoE) in order to evaluate the impact performance properties of Kevlar® woven structure impregnated with Non-Newtonian Fluids (NNF). Pull out and drop tower tests were performed. The pull out test showed that Kevlar® strength values with NNF composition 3 were better (10.55 N) when compared to others (1 and 2). The drop tower test showed that woven samples with highest concentration of NNF nanoparticles (3OR) exhibited the best behavior with respect to the penetration depth for P1 (19.5%) and S1 (48.0%) knife blade geometries. Thus, evidencing best residual energy dissipation when compared to the others. Results also showed that the composition (1, 2 and 3) of NNF as well as the orientation of the woven layers can be used to improve impact performance properties. Therefore, the impact protection performance depends on the friction between the yarns (pull out), the knife blade geometry and mainly the composition of the NNF which, in turn, is directly related to the nanoparticle and agent content of silane coupling present in the composition of the Non-Newtonian Fluid. Finally, this study also demonstrates that the use of statistical analysis promoted the improvement for obtaining and effectiveness of the behavior of lightweight impact protection textile structures.