<p>Researchers have designed a new paper-thin bullet-proof super material which can self-assemble into alternating glassy and rubbery layers.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The nanomaterial could translate into safety beyond vests. These advancements could accelerate progress on protective coatings for satellites and even jet engine turbine blades, researchers said.<br /><br />A team of mechanical engineering and materials scientists from Rice University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) created special materials that were able to stop bullets in the lab.<br /><br />The type of material, called a structured polymer composite, can actually self-assemble into alternating glassy and rubbery layers, the ‘Discovery News’ reported.<br /><br />While performing ballistic tests on the material at MIT’s Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, the 20-nanometer-thick layers were able to stop a 9-millimetre bullet and seal the entryway behind it, according to a Rice University.<br /><br />However, one of the challenges to making thinner and lighter protective gear is being able to test new, promising materials effectively in the lab.<br /><br />Researchers need to know precisely why those nanolayers are so good at dissipating energy, but analysing the polymer can take days. The MIT-Rice team also came up with an innovative testing method, where they shot tiny glass beads at the material. Although the beads were only a millionth of a meter in size, they simulated bullet impacts.<br /><br />Under a scanning electron microscope the material’s layers look like corduroy so the projectile impact can be seen clearly. “This would be a great ballistic windshield material,” Rice School of Engineering dean, Ned Thomas said.<br /></p>
<p>Researchers have designed a new paper-thin bullet-proof super material which can self-assemble into alternating glassy and rubbery layers.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The nanomaterial could translate into safety beyond vests. These advancements could accelerate progress on protective coatings for satellites and even jet engine turbine blades, researchers said.<br /><br />A team of mechanical engineering and materials scientists from Rice University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) created special materials that were able to stop bullets in the lab.<br /><br />The type of material, called a structured polymer composite, can actually self-assemble into alternating glassy and rubbery layers, the ‘Discovery News’ reported.<br /><br />While performing ballistic tests on the material at MIT’s Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, the 20-nanometer-thick layers were able to stop a 9-millimetre bullet and seal the entryway behind it, according to a Rice University.<br /><br />However, one of the challenges to making thinner and lighter protective gear is being able to test new, promising materials effectively in the lab.<br /><br />Researchers need to know precisely why those nanolayers are so good at dissipating energy, but analysing the polymer can take days. The MIT-Rice team also came up with an innovative testing method, where they shot tiny glass beads at the material. Although the beads were only a millionth of a meter in size, they simulated bullet impacts.<br /><br />Under a scanning electron microscope the material’s layers look like corduroy so the projectile impact can be seen clearly. “This would be a great ballistic windshield material,” Rice School of Engineering dean, Ned Thomas said.<br /></p>