Modular Lightweight Armor System Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-002 Topic Title: Modular Lightweight Armor System Proposal No.: N101-002-1271 Firm: Novana, Inc. 916 Stream Valley Trail Alpharetta, Georgia 30022-6475 Contact: F. Tsai Phone: (770) 521-1273 Abstract: Novana is developing an innovative nanocomposite based material with unique and significant anti-ballistic properties. This material can not only absorb high impact projectile piercing energy but it is also lighter and less expensive than traditional anti-ballistic materials. Contrary to the current practice of using expensive fabrics made of high strength fibers such as Kevlar, Spectra Shield or brittle, difficult to mold ceramics, this technology uses our innovative material and process knowledge to create various region-specific microstructures. These microstructures are capable of absorbing and dissipating incoming ballistic energy and have the ability to self-heal by trapping the incoming projectiles inside the matrix. The objective of Phase I study is to (1) validate the operating theory and repeat the phenomena we have observed in our preliminary study; (2) optimize the material compositions and process conditions to meet the weight and thickness requirements while maintaining anti-ballistic properties. Benefits: Our preliminary results show that our thermoplastic based material will be flexible enough to mold into variable shapes and less expensive because it can be produced from lower cost recycled polymers. Furthermore, this material is flame retardant and is not affected by oil, acidic or basic solutions. It is water proof and not affected by blowing sand. As mentioned, at a certain material thickness, the material can absorb multiple ballistic impacts, having the capability to trap bullets within the material matrix. Return