On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Most bullet-proof materials that cops wear today work by spreading out the force of a bullet’s impact. But that can still cause bruises or even severe damage to internal organs. Now researchers at the University of Sydney are using nanotechnology to develop a vest that conjures up images of Superman—the bullets bounce away harmlessly. The researchers worked on the nanometer scale—one billionth of a meter—with carbon nanotubes. A carbon nanotube is an atom thick-cylinder of graphite, like in pencil lead. They’re lightweight, extremely strong, and can absorb a great deal of energy. But how do you optimize these properties to make a bulletproof vest?
Researchers tested how nanotubes of different sizes responded to impacts. In place of bullets, they used tiny, super-hard diamonds. Ironically, diamonds are just another arrangement of carbon atoms. Larger nanotubes worked best at deflecting the diamond projectiles. The nanotubes also quickly snapped back into position to deflect a second bullet that might hit the same spot. The study, published in the journal Nanotechnology, paves the way for a super-thin bulletproof vest of the future
