HIGH KINETIC ENERGY PENETRATOR SHIELDING MATERIALS FABRICATED WITH BORON NITRIDE NANOTUBES

摘要

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are incorporated into matrices of polymer, ceramic or metals. Fibers, yams, and woven or nonwoven mats of BNNTs are used as toughening layers in penetration resistant materials to maximize energy absorption and/or high hardness layers to rebound or deform penetrators. Enhanced wear resistance and prolonged usage time are achieved by adding boron nitride nanomaterials because both hardness and toughness are increased. Such materials can also be used in high temperature environments since the oxidation temperature of BNNTs exceeds 800 deg C in air.