Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Mahfuz, Hassan

Abstract

Nanoscale silica particles are functionalized and ultrasonically dispersed into a mixture of polyethylene glycol and ethanol, and then reinforced with Kevlar. The stab or puncture resistance of the flexible nanophased materials system supersedes recent advances made in this area. Through SEM scans, thermal and chemical analysis, it is evident that the functionalized nanoparticles offer multiple facets of resistance to penetration of a sharp impactor. The improvement in protection is traced to the formation of siloxane bonds during functionalization. The framework for a theoretical model is established to estimate penetration depth under low velocity impact of a sharp object through the flexible composite. For comparison ofthese novel fabric composites, a method is also introduced to evaluate penetration resistance quantitatively. The method is capable of showing subtle changes that would otherwise be missed.

Extent

83 p.

Comments

College of Engineering and Computer Science|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|College of Engineering and Computer Science

Identifier

FA00012513

Format

pdf

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