Materials & Chemicals
Novel Transparent Dilatant Materials Comprised of Single Chemical Component
WiSys: T170056WO01
Inventors: John Droske
WiSys is seeking a strategic partner in material science or the protective equipment industry who is interested in furthering the development of novel transparent dilatant materials comprised of a single chemical component, ultimately providing a path to market for their use.
Overview
Dilatant materials are non-Newtonian, shear thickening fluids whose shear viscosity increases with shear stress. Since these materials harden on sudden impact, they have shown great promise for use in a variety of areas, ranging from personal protective equipment and body armor to vehicular traction control and protective cases for portable electronics. However, few such materials exist, which limits their use. In addition, controlling the transparency of dilatant materials has proven to be difficult due to the two-phase nature of most shear thickening fluids and this has to date limited their use in areas such as armored glass or auto windshields.
The Invention
Research from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has resulted in the synthesis of a series of materials exhibiting a range of dilatant properties.
The materials show good transparency and are chemically uniform (e.g. consisting of a single chemical component). The degree of dilatancy is easily controlled by adjusting the compositions of the materials.
Due to the range of dilatant properties, good transparency, and single chemical component nature of the dilatant samples, these materials show significant promise for novel uses in protective equipment and other areas related to impact protection, especially where transparency is desirable.
Applications
- Platform technology
- Impact protection
- Shock absorption
- Armored and protective glass
Key Benefits
- Materials display excellent dilatant properties
- Degree of dilatancy can be modified by adjusting monomer composition of polymer
- Transparency is easily controlled
- Excellent adhesive properties suitable for layered glass applications
Stage of Development
Laboratory-scale synthesis and preliminary characterization of dilatancy has been achieved. Quantitative determinations of non-newtonian properties have not yet been completed although qualitative observations are notable.
Tech Fields
For current licensing status, please contact Jennifer Souter at [javascript protected email address] or (608) 316-4131