The search for next-generation armor materials has regularly led scientists intothe realm of nature, where everything from snail shells to seasponges have inspired some exciting possibilities. Researchers at theUniversity of Kent have followed in these footsteps to developed aprotein-based family of synthetic materials that can withstand supersonicimpacts and which they see one day finding use in military and space applications.
Like another interesting advance in material science we looked at back in 2016, theteam’s creation uses the unique properties of a protein as a starting point.Where that previous example took advantage of a protein’scounter-intuitive compression capabilities, the University of Kent team hasdrilled into the natural shock-absorbing abilities of a protein called talin,and used it to create a family of hydrogel materials called TSAMs (Talin ShockAbsorbing Materials).
“Our work on the protein talin, which is the cells’ natural shock absorber, hasshown that this molecule contains a series of binary switch domains which openunder tension and refold again once tension drops,” study author Professor BenGoult explained. “This response to force gives talin its molecular shockabsorbing properties, protecting our cells from the effects of large forcechanges. When we polymerized talin into a TSAM, we found the shock absorbingproperties of talin monomers imparted the material with incredible properties.”
In testing, the team’s novel material proved capable of absorbing impacts fromprojectiles traveling at 1.5 km (0.93 miles) per second, deep in supersonicspeed territory which begins at Mach 1 – around 343 m (1,125 ft) per second.The team notes this is much faster than the projectiles you'd expect from afirearm which travel from 0.4 to 1 km (0.24 to 0.62 miles) per second, andfaster than most particles whizzing through space, typically in excess of 1 km(0.62 miles) per second.
The shock absorbing abilities were demonstrated against a variety of projectiles,ranging from tiny basalt particles measured in micrometers to bigger chunks ofaluminum shrapnel. A useful point of difference compared to traditional bodyarmor materials, according to the team, is that TSAMs preserve theseprojectiles after the impact. This could make them suitable for the purposes ofcapturing space debris for the study and development of spacesuits and otherprotective equipment in the aerospace sector.
The researchers also say these materials have the potential to absorb the kineticenergy from bullets and shrapnel better than current armor materials made ofceramics and fiber-reinforced composites. Integrating the materials intonext-generation armor could therefore make them lighter, longer lasting, andoffer better protection against blunt trauma.
“We are very excited about the potential translational possibilities of TSAMs tosolve real world problems,” said Professor Jen Hiscock. “This is something thatwe are actively undertaking research into with the support of new collaboratorswithin the defense and aerospace sectors.”
Source: Universityof Kent