N-Nanbrol®was recently used in the creation of composite armor. The rubber was on the outside and in layers. Yes, a coating of rubber can increase the effectiveness of armor.
How? Rubber can act like a non-Newtonian fluid under fast compression conditions. That is, the shock wave goes through the rubber quicker than the strands can adjust. That rapid pressure change induces the rubber to undergo the glass transition (where rubber “freezes” in place like a crystal and loses its’ “rubberyness”).
Note the “shatter” effect
OK, but what makes it different once it is in the crystal state?
The secret is that the glass transition requires (absorbs) a great deal of energy. Energy that must come from the projectile.
This armor scheme has been used on the front of the turrets of the Abrams tank.
Typically, polyurea elastomer is used for this application because it has a very wide glass transition temperature region. N-Nanbrol® was used in this case for several reasons. First, we expected less rubber mass to be required. Second, the outer finish needed to be “presentable”. And third, we can adjust the glass transition temperature by adding or removing nano-fill material.
This is a layer of our base panel 2/3 of the way through. And yes, that is a .50 cal BMG. Spauling type damage extended further, but the actual bullet was stopped.
More and varied uses for Nanbrol® are explored every day. If you think you might have a use for our Nanbrol® products in NBR, HNBR, FKM, or Aflas grades, order a sample (cc processors site) and check it out for yourself.