Bulletproof Nanotubes: Strong as Superman's Suit?

Carbon nanotubes could be that material. Zhang and Mylvaganam analyzed the molecule's force-repelling properties using a sheet of carbon, just one atom thick, rolled into a tube that looks something like a straw. They used a piece of diamond as a projectile to test the tube's strength.

Their studies showed that on impact, the carbon nanotube absorbed the energy of the diamond bullet, deforming as it did so. As the stored energy was released, the nanotube sprang back into shape, deflecting the bullet. The researchers found that the bigger the tube, the higher-speed bullet it could handle.

Zhang and Mylvaganam stressed that their results were theoretical and conducted under ideal conditions. For example, in the experiments the ends of the nanotubes were fully clamped down, which may not be possible in practice.

Related Links:

Tracy Staedter's blog: What the Tech?

Howstuffworks.com: body armor

Technology Review: The Nanotech Channel

The National Nanotechnology Initiative