Flexible Armor - Science Fiction?

[bobzinger]

Check this stuff out...Almost like Science Fiction.

Weaving a Suit of Armor
When selecting protective wear, motorcyclists have to consider trade-offs. A hard helmet protects the head in a crash, but similar armor for the body would get in the way of riding and
would be impossibly uncomfortable. Researchers at Dow Corning Corp.,Midland, Mich., have a solution. Soft and breathable in normal use, their innovative Dow Corning Active Protection System textile hardens instantly upon impact, absorbing and distributing energy over the entire protective area.When the impact force is removed, the material returns immediately to its former, flexible state.
Dow Corning’s 3-D spacer textile technology joined with a dilatant silicone coating makes these properties possible. The coating is made of polymers that show transient bonding to a
crosslinking component.Under normal conditions, the polymers bond to the crosslinker so the bonds open when subjected to a long-period deformation force, allowing the materials to flow. Introduce a sudden force, and the bonds have no time to open, rendering the material rigid. Orientation of the spacer yarns are designed to transmit energy to adjacent yarns, distributing the force.
The Active Protection System exceeds European motorcycle impact standards by 40%. Another advantage: the new material is machine washable. Current commercial applications for the Active Protection System include motorcycle protection gear and sports protection wear.