Shear Thickening Fluid Enhanced Textiles for Durable, Puncture- and Cut-Resistant Environmental Protection Garments, Phase I

The primary target market for the proposed innovation is in the EPG for suits to be used in future, extended duration, surface exploration missions. Specifically, STF-ArmorTM will provide multi-functional protection in a single layer within EPG lay-ups. STF-ArmorTM has excellent resistance to puncture, ballistic and MMOD threats combined with superior flexibility, as compared with conventional textile materials. These properties are beneficial to a number of NASA applications beyond EPGs. STF-ArmorTM can potentially improve the MMOD resistance when used as a layer within the shell of an inflatable space habitat. STF-Kevlar can potentially replace conventional Kevlar and improve MMOD resistance in a stuffed Whipple shield. An inflatable surface habitat would also benefit from the proven ballistic resistance of STF-ArmorTM to improve protection against secondary ejecta. Terrestrial applications of the innovation include chem-bio (hazmat) suits, which are multi-layer softgoods akin to spacesuits which also require effective puncture resistance/durability to ensure safety while the wearer completes the required cleanup task. The proposed investigation into dust repellent coatings can also potentially serve to limit cross-contamination by hazardous materials on the chem-bio suit. Further applications include protective industrial clothing, such as gloves, gloveboxes or chaps designed to protect against both physical and chemical hazards. More »