British engineers have developed a family of protein synthetic materials that can withstand the impact of a bullet at supersonic speed. They also absorb kinetic energy effectively. It is assumed that the new product will be used in the military and space industries.

what is known

University of Kent scientists took Tallinn’s unique properties as the starting point for their research. It is this protein that can absorb the impact. They made a group of hydrogel materials from it, which they called TSAM. Talin molecules contain a series of binary domains that open under pressure but rearrange when tension is removed. This feature protects against negative effects. The polymerization of talin made it possible to use these properties in new materials.

The developers tested the materials against various types of shells, from small basalt particles a few micrometers in diameter to larger pieces of aluminum shrapnel. The material does not allow bullets to pass through itself and retains them after impact. Therefore, it can be used to capture space junk or to make space suits and other protective elements in space.

According to the researchers, TSAM also greater efficiency in absorbing the kinetic energy of bullets and shrapnel, than analogues of modern armor made of other materials. Body armor made from it can be lighter, more durable, and provide better protection against damage from blunt objects.