Smart Composite Material with Energy Absorption for Protection

HKRITA
Overview

This project has invented a smart composite material in which anisotropic particles are used. When these materials are stimulated with impacts, they transform from a flexible to rigid state, offering protective functions. These materials have huge potential to produce protective garments.

  • Smart Composite Material with Energy Absorption for Protection
Technical name of innovation
Smart Composite Material with Energy Absorption for Protection
Research completion
2023
Commercialisation opportunities
Technology licensing
Problem addressed

Existing manufacturing process of smart composites is complex. The toxic compounds in these smart composites also hinder their application in textiles.

Innovation
  • A new smart composite material added with anisotropic particles to introduce a controllable shear sensitivity. Coated on textiles, this smart composite material provides a toughening effect. By adjusting the production formula, a variable shear rate sensitivity can be achieved for providing different protection functions.
  • Produced in a simple process at room temperature in 10 minutes and at a low cost.
  • Produced using biocompatible and non-toxic inorganic oxide particle.
Key impact
  • Fabric coated with smart composite materials provides a toughening effect. Depending on the production formula, a variable shear rate sensitivity can be achieved for providing different protection functions. The smart composite materials have great potential for different applications.
  • The protective fabric achieves level 1 of NIJ-0115.00 standard of stab resistance of personal body armor.
  • The production process of smart composite materials is simple and easy to scale up.
Award
  • Silver Medal in the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (2023)
Application
  • Acoustic protection, stab-resistance and protection against falls, slips and trips.

Patent

  • 22023068641.6 (Hong Kong)
  • PCT/CN2023/076943 (PCT)
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA)

Established in 2006, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR government, and hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. 

HKRITA has achieved research deliverables over the years around our research clusters targeting in sustainability, industry advancement and social benefits through our centre-owned research teams and laboratories as well as collaborations with industry partners and institutions. 

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