Think of things that can protect you against knives and bullets. Kevlar? Yes. Steel plates? Sure. Pancake syrup?! Probably not high on your list. Well, prison guards and other uniformed types may soon be armored with viscous stuff that would make Mrs. Butterworth proud.
The material, a mix of liquid polymers and silica (tiny sandlike particles), is called shear thickening fluid. Left alone, it’s a free-flowing goo; when something hits it at high velocity, the bits cluster into a rigid barrier. After the force of impact dissipates, it reverts to a gel. Protective-gear maker Armor Holdings is integrating STF into bullet-proof vests. That means fewer layers of anti-ballistic fabric, making them lighter, more comfortable, and cheaper. The company aims to start selling to prisons later this year. Other perilous pursuits will soon benefit as well: British startup d3o Lab is rolling out STF-enhanced ski wear, skateboard shoes, and goalie gloves. Whether you’re in Sun Valley or San Quentin, Mrs. Butterworth’s got your back.
– Vince Beiser
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