Lightweight, Flexible Ceramic Nanocomposite Polymer Armor Plates for Next Generation Body Armor

The objective of this Phase I SBIR program is to develop innovative lightweight, ballistic resistant ceramic nanocomposite armor plates that may be used in place of enhanced small arms protective inserts (E-SAPI) within Interceptor Body Armor (IBA) systems. The proposed lightweight ceramic composite inserts will integrate NanoSonic’s pioneering ceramic copolymer materials with shear thickening Kevlar® and Dyneema® fiber reinforced backings to provide protective armor inserts that weigh less than 4.00 lbs, provide enhanced soldier maneuverability and occupy less volume within interceptor vests than E-SAPI plates. This effort will build from NanoSonic’s independently validated hybrid nanocomposite armor materials that have demonstrated 1) V50 values > 4,000 ft/s to 3/8” A36 steel plates (MIL-STD-662F), 2) multiple shot protection from 0.50 cal rounds and 3) exceptional flame resistance (time to ignition > 300 seconds and low toxicity smoke). Through these efforts, researchers will develop an array of lightweight armor inserts capable of fragmenting and catching 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm and AP rounds. The potential technological advantages of NanoSonic’s lightweight, highly flexible body armor plates includes their ability to protect soldiers from multiple threats (ballistic, fragment and flame), long term environmental durability, tailorable weight and ease of integration within commonly employed composite manufacturing techniques.