{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Bioinspired Flexible Kevlar/Hydrogel Composites with Antipuncture and Strain-Sensing Properties for Personal Protective Equipment.
{Author}: Zhang X;Wang S;Chen X;Cui Z;Li X;Zhou Y;Wang H;Sun R;Wang Q;
{Journal}: ACS Appl Mater Interfaces
{Volume}: 16
{Issue}: 34
{Year}: 2024 Aug 28
{Factor}: 10.383
{DOI}: 10.1021/acsami.4c08659
{Abstract}: Currently, multifunction has become an essential direction of personal protective equipment (PPE), but achieving the protective effect, flexibility, physiological comfort, and intelligent application of PPE simultaneously is still a challenge. Herein, inspired by the meso-structure of rhinoceros skin, a novel strategy is proposed by compounding an ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) solution soaked gelatin hydrogel with the high weight fraction and vertically interwoven Kevlar fibers to manufacture a flexible and wearable composite with enhanced puncture resistance and strain-sensing properties. After (NH4)2SO4 solution immersion, the hydrogel's tensile strength, toughness, and fracture strain were up to 3.77 MPa, 4.26 MJ/m3, and 305.19%, respectively, indicating superior mechanical properties. The Kevlar/hydrogel composites revealed excellent puncture resistance (quasi-static of 132.06 N and dynamic of 295.05 N), flexibility (138.13 mN/cm), and air and moisture permeability (17.83 mm/s and 2092.73 g m-2 day-1), demonstrating a favorable balance between the protective effect and wearing comfort even after 7 days of environmental exposure. Meanwhile, salt solution immersion endowed the composite with excellent strain-sensing properties at various bending angles (30-90°) and frequencies (0.25-1 Hz) and allowed it to monitor different human motions directly in real-time. The rhinoceros-skin-inspired Kevlar/hydrogel composites provide a simple and economical solution for antipuncture materials that combine high protective effects, a comfortable wearing experience, and good strain-sensing properties, promising multifunctional PPE in the future.