A group of scientists and researchers working out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison have managed to devise an innovative new helmet liner that has been demonstrated to offer far superior protection against impact when compared to the lining materials used in helmets for military and sporting applications.
This particular helmet liner is effectively a foam material that comprises several layers of carbon nano-tubes that are as thin as a single atom.
While existing helmets aim to curb head rotation upon impact by generating a sliding movement between the helmet and the head, this new helmet liner makes it possible by using principles of deformation, with the system able to take on heavier impact.
Although the most obvious application of this technology would have to do with helmets worn by athletes and military personnel, the fact of the matter is that this unique foam system could also find its way into applications for product packaging.
Image Credit: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Carbon Nanotube Materials
- A new helmet liner made of several layers of thin carbon nano-tubes offers improved impact protection.
- Deformation-based Impact Protection
- This innovative helmet liner uses principles of deformation to better absorb heavy impacts.
- Advanced Foam Technology
- The unique foam system used in this helmet liner could have applications in various industries, including product packaging.
Where This Applies
- Athletic Equipment
- The improved impact protection offered by the carbon nanotube helmet liner presents disruption opportunities in the athletic equipment industry.
- Military Gear
- The superior head protection provided by this innovative helmet liner could disrupt the military gear industry.
- Product Packaging
- The advanced foam technology used in this helmet liner opens up possibilities for disruptive innovation in the product packaging industry.
