According to its creators at John Hopkins University, the new foam-like material could be a game-changer for helmets, body armour, and automobile and aerospace parts.
“We are excited about our findings on the extreme energy-absorption capability of the new material,” said senior author Sung Hoon Kang, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering.
“The material offers more protection from a wide range of impacts, but being lighter could reduce fuel consumption and the environmental impact of vehicles while being more comfortable for protective gear wearers.”
Johns Hopkins graduate student Beijun Shen places liquid crystal elastomer structure in drop tester machine.
Image credit: John Hopkins University
Kang wanted to create a material even more energy-absorbing than current...