Investigate the influence of GO as an additive in the silica-based polyethylene glycol shear thickening fluid on the rheological properties

Shear thickening fluids (STF) represent stabilized and concentrated colloidal suspensions, wherein hard nanoparticles are dispersed within a liquid medium (polymer). Under the influence of impact forces, they exhibit non-Newtonian behavior, effectively dissipating energy through shear thickening. The optimization of the dispersion medium’s viscosity is critical, as it not only fosters shear thickening but also facilitates proper particle dispersion. This study investigates the impact of graphene oxide (GO) as an additive in STFs, analyzing both static and dynamic rheological properties. STFs were formulated using colloidal silica particles (600 nm) and polyethylene glycol (PEG-200), with varied concentrations of GO particles (0.12–0.5 % w/W). The systems underwent comprehensive analysis concerning steady-state and dynamic-state rheological behavior under diverse conditions. The findings reveal that the inclusion of GO augments both static and dynamic rheological properties, reaching an apex at an optimal concentration of 0.36 % w/W. GO functions as a network builder within the STF, interacting with the existing particle network to create a more robust and interconnected structure. These enhanced properties underscore the potential of the synthesized STF for applications requiring impact resistance.