New Materials to Enhance Performance of Defense Equipment

New materials are being developed that will mark a substantial performance improvement of military hardware. From making armor several times stronger, to new types of explosives, to improving resistance to corrosion, defenseworld.net looks at some of the new materials being developed in the US, Russia and China.

UHMWPE (Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene)

The US Army research has developed plastic that is 14 times stronger and 8 times lighter than steel for use in body armor, helmets, ballistic plates, aircraft and combat vehicles.

USAF-96

A USAF scientist developed a low alloy, high-performance steel that can be powdered and 3D printed into components, and other replacement parts for military equipment.

Unsinkable Metal Structure

Inspired by diving bell spiders and rafts of fire ants, researchers at the University of Rochester have created a metallic structure that is water repellent.

China’s non-carbon-based heat-resistant material

Researchers in central China have developed a non-carbon-based heat-resistant material.

Monolithic Fiberglass Ship

Fiberglass is a common type of fiber-reinforced plastic using glass fiber, developed by Russia’s Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau.