Survivability and Denial: Novel Nanoparticle filled Multi-Layer Ballistic Resistant Structures

In light of recent terrorist activities, there is a need for new materials/process technologies that can provide armor enhancements for ships, improved personal protective equipment for US marines and improved shipboard damage control, including fireprotection. The use of polymer based materials in several of these applications has increased over the years, driven mainly by desirable properties, ease of processing, light weight and low cost. Triton Systems Inc proposes an innovative nano-particulatestrengthened lightweight transparent polymer based ballistic structure that has extremely high abrasion resistance, ballistic impact strength, high optical transparency, as well as chemical- and flame-resistance. A single structure with all the aboveproperties is lacking in current systems. Triton's approach will use its proprietary nanoparticles blended into conventionally used commodity polymers like Polymethylmethacrylate, polycarbonate and polyurethane, thereby making it readily applicable andcost effective. These unique nanocomposite materials will serve numerous applications of the US Navy and commercial markets, viz., aircraft windows, helicopter and aircraft canopies, impact resistant building windows, safety goggles, face shields forsoldiers, and public transit windows. The proposed effort will develop a key enabling technology that will help ensure US Navy's supremacy and operability in the event of future terrorist attacks. Fabrication of low cost polymer based structures withenhanced ballistic resistance and combined chemical and biological agents and fire resistance have tremendous application in several military areas like aircraft and helicopter canopies, impact resistant aircraft windows, face shields, safety goggles.Other commercial applications include, safety goggles and gas masks, fuel tanks, components in electrical and electronic parts, automobile applications, such as TPO based components and under-the-hood structural components, civil constructions (FRP).