Abstract

In response to the rapid advancement of green, low-carbon, and smart wearable technologies, the development of environmentally friendly, high-performance smart materials has become essential. Shear thickening fluid (STF) is a non-energy-consuming, highly adaptive smart nano-suspension materials that exhibit unique shear-thickening effects, conferring excellent energy dissipation properties. This makes them ideal for achieving lightweight, highperformance green protective solutions. This paper provides a systematic review of the progress of STF research, first summarizing its rheological properties, composition, and preparation methods. It then explores STF systems utilizing green carbon materials, such as cellulose nanocrystals and bio-based polymers, as either the dispersed or continuous phases, to enhance environmental compatibility and sustainability. It then delves into the theoretical mechanisms of STF and discusses key factors influencing their shear-thickening performance. Furthermore, it highlights the innovative application of STF in personal protective equipment, impact resistance, vibration damping, multifunctional systems, industrial polishing, and flexible batteries. The paper emphasizes the potential of STF to replace traditional, high-energy-consuming, heavy protective materials and to drive green development in wearable technology. Finally, the paper outlines the challenges and development opportunities facing STF in the field of green smart materials for a sustainable future.

Keywords Plus: FUMED SILICA，BALLISTIC PERFORMANCE，BEHAVIOR，SUSPENSIONS，IMPACT，PARTICLE，CARBON，RESISTANCE，ADDITIVES，STAB

Published in COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING，Volume207；10.1016/j.compositesa.2026.109831，AUG 2026