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Next-generation protein-based materials capture and preserve projectiles from supersonic impacts.
Jack A Doolan1, Luke S Alesbrook2, Karen Baker1
1School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.
Nature Nanotechnology
|July 3, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel talin shock-absorbing material (TSAM) inspired by natural proteins. This advanced material effectively dissipates extreme energy, capturing and preserving supersonic projectiles.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomimetics
- Mechanics
Background:
- Extreme energy-dissipating materials are crucial for defense and aerospace.
- Current materials have limitations in weight, durability, and projectile preservation.
- Nature offers advanced solutions through evolved proteins for energy dissipation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel energy-dissipating material inspired by natural proteins.
- To overcome limitations of current ballistic and projectile capture materials.
- To create a talin shock-absorbing material (TSAM) for enhanced performance.
Main Methods:
- Incorporating a recombinant form of the mechanosensitive protein talin into a monomeric unit.
- Crosslinking the protein units to form the talin shock-absorbing material (TSAM).
- Testing TSAMs under high-velocity impact conditions (1.5 km/s supersonic shots).
Main Results:
- TSAMs demonstrated significant energy absorption capabilities.
- The material successfully captured projectiles fired at supersonic speeds.
- Preservation of captured projectiles was achieved without damage.
Conclusions:
- Nature-inspired protein engineering can yield high-performance energy-dissipating materials.
- TSAM offers a promising solution for ballistic protection and hypervelocity projectile capture.
- This biomimetic approach overcomes limitations of conventional synthetic materials.
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