When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
Body armor has been in constant competition with weapons since the dawn of human violence. As weapons improve, so too does armor, and vice versa – one drives the other in this symbiotic relationship. Primitive means of protection such as wood, bone and stone gave way to copper, which gave way to iron, then steel, Kevlar and so on. As these armors developed, they didn’t just become stronger, but lighter, too. In the past, warriors, soldiers and police might have had to choose between flexibility and speed or durability. But now, new methods combine both of these elements into a single solution.
The new age of polymer armor
Recent developments in polymer science have yielded materials strong enough to stop bullets and light enough to wear comfortably. The most common material that most people have heard of is Kevlar. Products like these have had huge implications for law enforcement and military applications – but scientists haven’t stopped pressing for a better solution.
Technologies like these are depended on to save lives. As such, it is critical that they pass rigorous inspection from an unbiased analytical testing laboratory before they hit the shelves.
“A new polymer nanofiber is even tougher than Kevlar.”
More protection than Kevlar
Although polymer body armor is already highly bulletproof and lightweight, that hasn’t stopped researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas from trying to develop something even better. A team of scientists has created a polymer nanofiber that can stretch up to seven times its original length and is even tougher than Kevlar, according to Gizmodo. The polymer nanofibers are made up of strands of polyvinylidene fluoride spun with polyvinvylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene and twisted into yarn.
Although polymer body armor is already highly bulletproof and lightweight, that hasn’t stopped researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas from trying to develop something even better. A team of scientists has created a polymer nanofiber that can stretch up to seven times its original length and is even tougher than Kevlar, according to Gizmodo. The polymer nanofibers are made up of strands of polyvinylidene fluoride spun with polyvinvylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene and twisted into yarn.
The new nanofiber uses its electromagnetic attributes to absorb incoming energy – like that of a bullet or projectile weapon. Kevlar can absorb as much as 80 joules per gram before breaking, but the new fiber is capable of withstanding up 98 kilojoules per gram. The team found inspiration from the human body itself – collagen fibers in bone withstand pressure by converting it into electrical charges, and these nanofibers operate in a similar fashion.
Much like the DMS Dyneema material, these fibers can be woven into yarn to produce a wearable bulletproof fabric. But as it stands, the researchers at UT Dallas can only produce small amounts of the nanofiber at a time. However, new developments in polymer-nanofiber creation may allow scientists to create large quantities of the material. This would pave the way for a new generation of flexible, bullet-stopping body armor.
New, advanced materials can provide better protection for soldiers and police.
Polymer fibers form a bulletproof layer
The best body armor technology uses woven polymer fibers to form an ultra-strong barrier against projectiles. In November 2014, the World Textile Information Network recognized DSM Dyneema as Best Innovation – Industrial Textiles, Most Innovative Large Company and Launch of the Year, according to Officer.com. DSM Dyneema claims its polymer fibers are the strongest in the world and the material gains its strength by weaving together thousands of these fibers.
The best body armor technology uses woven polymer fibers to form an ultra-strong barrier against projectiles. In November 2014, the World Textile Information Network recognized DSM Dyneema as Best Innovation – Industrial Textiles, Most Innovative Large Company and Launch of the Year, according to Officer.com. DSM Dyneema claims its polymer fibers are the strongest in the world and the material gains its strength by weaving together thousands of these fibers.
“I remember the first time the results came I couldn’t believe them,” explained Shitij Chabba, Global Business Segment Director for Life Protection at DSM Dyneema, according to Officer.com. “They were so high – our numbers and performance levels – that I truly had to tell my engineers to go back and reshoot the pack and confirm that’s the right performance.”
Dyneema is a type of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene that can be used as a multi-filament fiber in yarn, in unidirectional sheets and in tape for ballistic materials, according to Law and Order. The source pointed out UHMWP is more than just plastic– that would be like comparing hemp rope and steel cable. UHMWP can provide up to 15 times more strength than steel.
DSM Dyneema maintains that its process results in a material that is 25 to 30 percent lighter than competing body armor. For an officer or soldier on duty, this reduced weight can make a huge difference, allowing them to be more agile, tactical, and responsive.
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