| Summary: | In this study, we delved into innovative strategies to make neat E-glass fabrics (NGFs) more impact- and tensile-resistant by using shear-thickening fluids (STFs). To achieve this goal, the polyethylene glycol (PEG) in STFs has been modified. Subsequently, the STF-impregnated fabric composites were prepared from unmodified PEG and functionally modified PEGs using malonic and tartaric acids, V/S/GF, M/S/GF, and T/S/GF composites, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was conducted to confirm the chemical modification of PEGs. The rheological tests showed a significant improvement in the peak viscosity of modified STFs compared with virgin STF. Dynamic rheological analysis also studied media-particle interaction, revealing improved media-particle interaction in STFs due to abundant H-bonding. In addition, a series of experimental tests, namely compressive impact resistance and strip tensile strength tests, have been conducted to investigate the effect of STF modification on the NGF. The results revealed notable improvements in tensile strength and energy dissipation in the T/S/GF and M/S/GF composites compared with V/S/GF and NGF. Importantly, this improvement extended to the impact performance of single, triple, and quintuple layers. Notably, we found that the peak load of 5 T/S/GF was 37.71%, 18.57%, and 11.87% lower than that of 5NGF, 5 V/S/GF, and 5 M/S/GF, respectively. The idea that made these improvements possible came from PEG functionalization, which helps hydrogen bonds form between the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium, leading to higher viscosity. This, in turn, increases inter-yarn friction, effectively enhancing the spring-like properties of T/S/GF and M/S/GF compared with V/S/GF. A two-step artificial intelligence regression analysis underpinned these findings, elucidating the interplay of molecular mechanisms in high-performance fabric composites. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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