Optically transparent armor reinforced with microbially-synthesized cellulose nanofibers with self-repair capability
Abstract
Our vision is to create an adventurous multi-disciplinary research programme in the area of lightweight polymeric transparent armor, building novel technological foundation for a variety of engineering innovations. Microbially-synthesised cellulose nanofibers, more commonly known as bacterial cellulose (BC), is an ultra-pure form of cellulose nanofibers with mechanical performance exceeding that of single E-glass or Kevlar fiber. The tensile modulus and strength of a single BC nanofiber are estimated to be up to 160 GPa and 6 GPa, respectively (comparing to that of - 70 GPa and - 3000 MPa, respectively for single E-glass or Kevlar fiber). Thus, BC is often regarded as nano-reinforcement for the production of high performance lightweight sustainable composites . Our project aims to develop the next generation polymeric transparent armour reinforced with BC by combining our expertise, for the first time, in polymer and composite engineering (Lee), mechanics of materials (Tagarielli) and synthetic biology (Ellis) to: (i) engineer the degree of hornification of BC within a polymeric matrix, (ii) optimise the interaction between BC and the polymer matrix, (iii) augment the properties of BC by binding structural protein molecules, as well as (iv) introducing self-repair capabilities into BC using synthetic biology approaches to produce lightweight optically transparent BC-reinforced polymer composite laminates that not only possess ballistic protection beyond the state-of-the-art but also self-repair capabilities The outcome of this project is anticipated to include, but not limited to: (i) 3 peer-reviewed scientific articles in ISi-indexed high impact factor journals , (ii) at least 3 conference presentations, as well as (iii) a dedicated webpage to disseminate the main findings of our project. Within the scope of this project, we will also work closely with Professor Christopher Voigt (MIT) to create an even more adventurous research programme centred around microbially-synthesised cellulose nanofibers and synthetic biology for advanced materials, further strengthening the research collaboration between the US and the UK.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810386
Entities
People
- Koon-Yang Lee
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Imperial College London
- United States Army