Ultrastrong Dual Use Nanocomposite Materials for Blast and Transparent Armor

The main goal of this proposal is to develop novel lightweight high strength composite materials to be used as materials for next-generation transparent armor for multifunctional structural load support and mitigation of ballistic threats and blast impacts. While providing adequate protection most of the time, the current technology of transparent armor presents difficult challenges due to heavy weight, large thickness, and lack of structural flexibility. To achieve the goals of the research, we intend to use high strength composite materials, in combination with the innovative topological design of the macrostructures. Layer-by-layer assembly method makes possible ideal stress transfer in the material and record mechanical properties exceeding those used in the traditional transparent armor. Hierarchical organization of the proposed laminates combining nanoscale, microscale, and millimeter scale sheets can make possible efficient dissipation of energy and efficient utilization of bulk properties of traditional materials of ballistic-proof and blast resistance transparent shield panels. In the time period allocated for the project, we will prepare the initial test panels with varying composition, evaluate their mechanical properties, carry out third-party ballistic and blast protection tests, and develop a technical cost model for the large scale manufacturing of the novel nanocomposites.