Create thinner and more durable armor thanks to the synthetic metal foam

Synthetic metal foams (CMFs) can be the ideal material for the birth of a new generation of thinner, lighter, but more durable armor.

Based on the CMFs, scientists at North Carolina State University have developed a super-durable armor capable of preventing bullets and turning it into ash . Afsaneh Rabiei, a professor of mechanical engineering and aerospace, who led the research, has spent years researching CMFs and exploring its unique properties.

Ms. Afsaneh Rabiei - lead researcher. Photo: phys.org.

In its simplest form, metal foams are formed by aeration through molten metal, forming a foam mixture, and the final product is a super lightweight structure. This is considered as an effective alternative to conventional metals, but still maintain the same strength.

To test the strength of the new armor, Rabiei and her team fired a 7.62 x 63mm penetration ballistic missile. As a result, it was only a shorter than 8mm track at the firing range. Meanwhile, the thickness of the piece is not more than 2.5cm.

To illustrate its power, the US National Institute of Justice (NIDA) 's standards allow for a maximum depth of 44 mm. In addition to the CMFs, the scientists used ceramic and para-aramid Kevlar fibers to create armor.

In addition to making armor or armor in the future, the team believes that CMFs also have potential applications for space travel or even nuclear waste transportation. Previous trials have also shown that CMFs can withstand extreme temperatures and prove effective in blocking X-rays, gamma rays and neutron radiation.