Gradient nanoparticle-carbon allotrope-polymer composite material
A shock wave attenuating material ( 100 ) includes a substrate layer ( 104 ). A plurality ( 110 ) of shock attenuating layers is disposed on the substrate layer ( 104 ). Each of the plurality ( 110 ) of shock attenuating layers includes a gradient nanoparticle layer ( 114 ) including a plurality of nanoparticles ( 120 ) of different diameters that are arranged in a gradient from smallest diameter to largest diameter and a graphitic layer ( 118 ) disposed adjacent to the gradient nanoparticle layer. The graphitic layer ( 118 ) includes a plurality of carbon allotrope members ( 128 ) suspended in a matrix ( 124 ).
1. A non-transparent composition comprising:
a plurality of layers, each one of the plurality of layers including:
(i) a gradient nanoparticle layer comprising a plurality of nanoparticles of at least two different diameters that are arranged in a gradient based on nanoparticle diameter, wherein the at least two different diameter nanoparticles have a radius difference on the order of 10% or more, wherein the gradient nanoparticle layer excludes carbon nanotubes, and wherein the nanoparticles comprise polymers or ceramics and have an energy loss per collision of approximately 5% or more; and
(ii) a non-transparent carbon allotrope layer disposed adjacent to the gradient nanoparticle layer, the non-transparent carbon allotrope layer comprising carbon nanotubes suspended in a matrix;
wherein the non-transparent composition alternates the gradient nanoparticle layer with the non-transparent carbon allotrope layer within each one of the plurality of layers and between each one of the plurality of layers.
2. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , wherein the gradient nanoparticle layer comprises nanoparticles of at least three different diameters.
3. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , wherein the non-transparent carbon allotrope layer further comprises graphene sheets.
4. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , disposed in a helmet.
5. The non-transparent composition of claim 4 , wherein the helmet comprises material selected from the group consisting of: a high density plastic, a composite, fiber glass, a para-aramid synthetic fiber composite, a vinyl, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, an acrylic, a metal, and combinations thereof.
6. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , disposed in a portion of an armor unit, wherein the armor unit further comprises a structural element and an armor plate.
7. The non-transparent composition of claim 6 , the structural element comprises at least one of a ceiling, a floor or a wall of a vehicle.
8. The non-transparent composition of claim 6 , wherein the structural element comprises a body armor assemblage.
9. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , disposed in a portion of a personal body armor unit comprising a ceramic plate, a high mass member disposed adjacent to the ceramic plate, and the plurality of shock attenuating layers disposed on the high mass member.
10. The non-transparent composition of claim 9 , wherein the high mass member comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, a para-aramid synthetic fiber composite, a carbon fiber composite, a metal, a ceramic and combinations thereof.
11. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , further comprising a substrate layer, wherein the plurality of shock attenuating layers are disposed on the substrate layer.
12. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , wherein the gradient comprises the plurality of nanoparticles of different diameters arranged in a gradient array from smallest diameter to largest diameter.
13. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , disposed on a computer or hardware casing.
14. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , disposed as an exterior coating, film, intermediate layer or panel to pre-existing equipment.
15. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , disposed on sports equipment.
16. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , wherein the carbon nanotubes are functionalized nanotubes.
17. The non-transparent composition of claim 11 , wherein the substrate layer comprises polycarbonate or carbon fiber composites/laminates.
18. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , wherein each gradient nanoparticle layer is approximately 5 to approximately 20 micrometers.
19. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of nanoparticles comprises polystyrene.
20. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of nanoparticles comprises silica.
21. The non-transparent composition of claim 1 , disposed in a structural component of an aircraft or nautical vessel.