# Liquid Vest Nano Tech Armour Repels Bullets By Bianca | Published 2008-02-18 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-vest-nano-tech-armour-repels-bullets References: [russiatoday.ru](http://www.russiatoday.ru/features/news/21011) & [tech-faq](http://www.tech-faq.com/liquid-armor.shtml) Weighing only about 2 kgs, this new Russian armor uses nanotechnology to repel bullets. While traditional [ballistic vests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shielding-jacket) made of heavy plates can weigh up to 12 kilos (26.4 lbs) these new vests are filled with a special gel that makes them much [lighter and more comfortable to wear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/planet-earth-lightweight-field-jacket). They were invented by a research institute in Moscow. "The key behind the newest development in body armor is 'sheer-thickening fluid' or STF - a mixture of nanoparticles of silica suspended in non-toxic liquid polyethylene glycol," according to Tech-FAQ.com "STF instantly transforms into a rigid shield when struck with adequate force (such as by a bullet or bomb fragment); once the energy of the hit is expended, it reverts back to its fluid state." They expect it will be available in about two years. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Nano Tech Armor:** Innovative armor technology relies on nanoparticles of silica suspended in non-toxic liquid polyethylene glycol to create lighter, more comfortable, and more effective ballistic vests. - **Sheer-thickening Fluid:** The key to this disruptive innovation is sheer-thickening fluid that can instantly transform into a rigid shield when struck, offering superior protection to traditional armor. - **Lightweight Ballistic Vests:** This new Russian armor has the potential to disrupt the market for heavy, uncomfortable, and ineffective traditional ballistic vests with its lightweight, manageable, and highly protective design. ### Where This Applies - **Defense and Military:** This military technology is poised to disrupt the defense industry by offering soldiers superior protection without the added weight and discomfort of traditional ballistic vests. - **Law Enforcement:** Police and other law enforcement agencies could greatly benefit from this disruptive innovation by providing officers with more effective and wearable protection against potential threats. - **Security and Protection Services:** Companies providing security and protection services could increase their competitiveness and effectiveness by using this innovative and advanced technology for their personnel in high-risk environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Next-Generation Weighted Vests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nextgeneration-weighted-vest.md) - [Protective Cut-Proof Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/armortex-jacket.md) - [Load-Relieving Armored Exoskeletons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/armored-exoskeleton.md) - [Lightweight Helmet Liners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helmet-liner.md) - [Tactical Canine Armors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canine-unit.md) - [Modular Weighted Vest Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gvest-icon.md) - [Highly Durable Full-Metal Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/full-metal-jacket.md) - [Metal-Infused Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stone-islands-metal-mesh-jacket.md) - [Under-Arm Rescue Floatation Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ua80-evolution-vest.md)