CycloShield™

Problems Addressed:

Polycarbonates are standard spall plies in transparent armor laminates. This fifty year old technology is a limiting factor in transparent armor protection level. Additional polycarbonate plies can provide incrementally better protection, but at a significant weight penalty - problematic for armored ground vehicles and unacceptable for aircraft.

Solution:

CycloShield™ is a family of proprietary ballistic resistant polymer resins and their nanocomposites based on Cyclobutanediol (CBDO) copolyesters.

Advantages:

Highest impact resistance of any known transparent polymer - 40% greater Izod impact strength than impact-grade polycarbonate.
Transparency equal to polycarbonate but with less clouding or discoloration with age.
Significant improvement in ballistic protection at the same areal density as polycarbonate.
Possesses “Self-Healing” and “Memory” properties. For example, abrasions and scratches will disappear with heat treatment.

Shape “Memory” Properties

Timeline:

Currently in development (supported by NAVAIR Phase II SBIR) with a product introduction in 2009-2010 with external funding (pending).

The SMRC Team:

Texas State University - San Marcos, Southern Clay Products, Texstars, Bell Helicopter Textron