JOHNS HOPKINS STUDY EXPECTED TO HELP IMPROVE CERAMIC ARMOR.

Advanced Materials & Composites News, April, 2003

March 7, 2003 issue of the journal "Science - "Researchers from The Johns Hopkins University and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory say they have discovered why boron carbide, sometimes used in protective armor, experiences a loss of impact resistance.

By observing the atomic structure of boron carbide fragments retrieved from a military ballistic test facility, the team discovered that higher-energy impacts cause tiny bands of boron carbide to change into a more fragile glassy form.

Having found why boron carbide loses its protective capabilities, the researchers hope they have opened a door toward development of a new form of the material that will do a better job of keeping soldiers and police officers safe. "We intend to try modifying the...

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