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February 16, 2006
Skiwear Armor
A fascinating little tidbit that perked my fashion and science interests. The US and Canadian winter Olympic teams have skiwear with d3o incorporated into them.
So what is d30? It's a thin material that can be worn under or integrated into almost any fabric that acts as body armor when its molecular structure is disturbed.
The secret material is a synthesized mix of viscose fluid and a polymer. Under normal conditions, the molecules are weakly bound allowing the body full range of movement, but when the material senses a sudden deformation, the chemical bonds between the molecules interlock and tighten forcing the molecules to lock to each other changing the surface into armor shaped to the area of the body it resides on.
The technology is amazing when you think about how fast it has to react; within milliseconds. After initial impact, the bonds loosen and the fabric is once again soft and flexible.
Now if only I could get the company to send me a sample. :)
via new scientist
Posted by tranism at 11:58 AM | Permalink
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