Nanoparticle-Coated Polymer Composites for Lightweight Ballistic Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ballistic protection materials are heavy and ineffective against high-powered projectiles, necessitating a need for lightweight materials that provide effective protection.
Innovation Solution
A composite material comprising polymeric layers coated with nanoparticles, optionally with ceramic and back-face layers, designed to absorb or deflect projectiles while maintaining a low areal density and minimal back-face signature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional ballistic protection materials (wood, metals) are used, then protection against projectiles is achieved, but the weight becomes excessive making the equipment unideal for body armor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of polymeric layers (such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) combined with nanoparticle coatings (such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, silicon dioxide, or boron nitride). This composite structure achieves high ballistic protection against 7.62×51 mm NATO projectiles while maintaining a low areal density of at most 40.0 kg/m2, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
2Strength
If shear-thickening fluids are applied to improve strength and reduce thickness, then protection against low-caliber projectiles and stab resistance is enhanced, but effectiveness against high-powered projectiles remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the protective material by incorporating nanoparticles with specific properties (high aspect ratio, controlled concentration of 0.1 wt. % to 10 wt. %). This parameter optimization enables the material to effectively withstand high-powered 7.62×51 mm NATO projectiles while maintaining lightweight characteristics, overcoming the limitations of shear-thickening fluids.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite material effectively stops high-powered projectiles like 7.62×51 mm NATO rounds with a low back-face signature and areal density, offering improved protection without excessive weight.
Implementation Method 1
the composite material effectively stops high-powered projectiles like 7.62×51 mm NATO rounds with a low back-face signature and areal density
Implementation Method 2
at least one layer of a polymeric material coated with 0.1 wt. % to 10 wt. % of nanoparticles
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes articles that may be used in protective gear, including but not limited to body armor, helmets, shields, or barriers. These articles may include a polymeric material coated with nanoparticles, in a single layer or in multiple layers, which are treated to form a composite. The articles may further include a ceramic layer and/or a back-face layer. Such articles may be useful for protecting an object or wearer against projectiles.