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

This Small Business Technology Transfer Research Phase I proposal will develop and advance the commercialization of STF-ArmorTM nanocomposite materials for use in Environmental Protection Garments (EPG) for long-duration exploration missions, such as the exploration of Mars. The proposed STTR research leverages the results of NASA-sponsored research conducted at the University of Delaware, combined with a commercialization pathway provided by STF Technologies LLC and our commercialization partners, to develop advanced EPG materials to improve astronaut safety. Shear thickening fluid (STF) nanocomposite textiles have been demonstrated to offer a mass-efficient means for improving the puncture and MMOD resistance of EVA suits as a superior absorber layer. The proposed research will advance the commercialization and TRL by optimizing STF materials, treatments and prototype EPG lay-ups to provide enhanced durability, puncture-, cut-, and dust-resistance while simultaneously meeting the requirements for full integration into EPGs and suit systems.

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.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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