A new method for testing the durability of polymers—courtesy of researchers at the Army Research Lab and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology—has revealed that some materials appear to strengthen themselves when struck by rapidly moving objects. These materials could be used in future U.S. Army helmets and armor. The engineers discovered that when targets made of poly(urethane-urea) elastomers (PUUs) are hit at high speed by micro-particles made of silica, the target displays hyperelastic behavior. Army Investigates New, Tougher Materials for Helmets
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