Ultrastrong Dual Use Nanocomposite Materials for Blast and Transparent Armor

Nanocomposites are proving effective in protecting occupants of tactical ground vehicles from ballistic threats and mine blasts while maintaining optical transparency. In the proposed program, (Systems and Materials Research Corporation (SMRC) will develop a process for manufacturing these materials at rates higher than previously achieved. This approach utilizes SMRC"s experience in the development of transparent ballistic materials as well as its expertise in polymer nanocomposites and the design of automated process equipment. Aqueous solutions of crosslinkable polymer and aqueous suspensions of nanoclay will be simultaneously sprayed onto a surface to produce thin films that are then layered and crosslinked to form thick sheets. Crosslinking chemically bonds the reinforcing nanoclay to the polymer matrix, maximizing load transfer. The resulting nanomaterials are transparent and have the high tensile strength and stiffness typical of self-assembled polymer-clay nanocomposites made using the time-consuming layer-by-layer (LbL) processes. The simultaneous-spray process will be capable of producing large sheets of material with throughput more than 200 times that of LbL. In Phase I, both the chemistry and the process will be tailored to maximize strength, toughness, and transparency, culminating in the demonstration of ballistic resistance in testing and qualification to the required STANAG 4569 Protection Level.