Durable as metal and light as foam. This new material absorbs energy surprisingly well

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University conducted tests of their new material on the basis of a network of elastic polymers in the liquid crystal phase, after which they were “very pleased with the results of the research”. It all boils down to its ability to absorb energy while providing a great weight-to-strength ratio.

This new material may become the basis for new generation helmets or vehicles

In short, this new material is shock-absorbing to an astonishingly high level, while at the same time being very light and providing a high level of protection. How much? Scientists compare its durability to metal and its lightness to foam, while highlighting its use in the military sector. In fact, the company has already been interested in the material, which is to design and test helmets for athletes and the military.

The revolution of this material comes down to the layers of the aforementioned networks of flexible polymers, between which there are rigid load-bearing structures. As a result, they flex at different speeds on impact, effectively dispersing energy. How much? The tests showed that objects weighing from 1.8 to 6.8 kg at a speed of up to 35.4 km / h did not do any special damage to the material. In addition, the team says it should be able to absorb energy also at higher speeds.

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It was also shown that the more layers were used, the better this material performed better in practice, at such a level that the difference between the 1st and the 4th layers was almost twice as high.