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.

[dui546]

That stuff sounds like it would be awesome "outside" protective gear. It would be great for low speed tumbles, fallovers and skids. And...I guess it will help you look good at the viewing on the most serious of crashes. I guarantee that it will be very expensive.

The main problem in dynamic falls or vehicle crashes is not really our stuff on the outside. It is what happens to the loose stuff that bangs around on our inside...the organs, the brain, etc. These things collide with the internal skeleton and rib cage and it is like throwing them against a wall during an impact or sudden stop. They often get bruised and or ripped.

I have learned that most of the injuries people die from during impact cannot be seen from the outside. The cutaway views that Catscans provide are AWESOME in determining the internal issues on a survivor. Although sometimes it is extremely obvious and they are simply DRT!

Always remember that a long slide, roll, or tumble over an open field or roadway is far better than any impact with a fixed (sign, tree, house, etc) or moving object (car, truck, etc). That is where the protective gear we wear really can help. Well, that and having a Guardian Angel and/or lots of LUCK.

[dogdoc]

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!