THE MAIL ON SUNDAY Sunday 9th May 2004

NEW STF BODY ARMOUR

BY PETER ZIMONJIC

Military scientists have created a revolutionary body armour strong enough to stop bullets, knives and grenades - but made of liquid.

The lightweight flexible armour turns steel hard only when hit at high velocity. It means soldiers who currently wear heavy kevlar and steel-plate flak jackets will have better protection as the flexible new 'smart' armour can be used around the legs, arms and neck - where most serious injuries occur. The technology could also be used by police officers and even in motorcyclist's suits.

The liquid armour is made from millions of tiny particles of glass suspended in a honey-like fluid called polythylene glycol. The liquid, known as 'shear thickening fluid (STF), is soaked into a piece of kevlar so thin it acts like a piece of fabric, and can be folded and stitched. But the unique compound tenses when it is struck suddenly, becoming strong enough to prevent serious injuries. Immediately after the bullet or shrapnel is stopped the armour relaxes, allowing the wearer to move as freely as he (they) did before.

Dr. Norman Wagner, from the University of Delaware, has spent the past three years developing the armour with the backing of the U.S. Army. He said "We can now take fabrics that were incapable of stopping shrapnel or bullets, integrate them with the liquid and create body armour. We are using kevlar for the military applications, but we could have used any fabric. We are about a year away from this technology being deployed on the battlefield.

The liquid armour was originally aimed at people clearing land mines but there could be a huge range of non-military uses. Mr Wagner said: "Motorcycle apparel manufacturers want to see if they can use our technology to create jackets and trousers that will protect riders in a crash. Police forces want to use it to make bomb-blankets to protect disposal experts and aircraft manufacturers are talking about lightweight, bullet-proof wings and parachutes."

The chemical used in the liquid is similar to a common ingredient of soap and paint, which means liquid armour will be inexpensive enough to become widely used.


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