Graphene and the Applications in Bulletproofing and Body Armor

Militaries may have found the next technology advancement, a replacement in body armor. Graphene is a single atomic layer of graphite, which is composed of a hexagonal lattice of carbon atoms. It exhibits properties of extreme strength and is extremely lightweight. Engineers have begun testing this material’s successfulness in bulletproof vests. We will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of graphene in the construction of bulletproof vests for stopping projectiles, as well as the testing that has been done on the material. As weaponry continues to develop, it is vital to develop advanced methods of protection. The durability and flexibility of graphene prove that it can be very helpful to troops who travel through extreme conditions. With a strong, lightweight material, military units can put more effort into completing the tasks at hand, which will lead to less casualties. We will consult a variety of resources where we can gain a better understanding of the material and its properties. We will debate the practicality of mass production of graphene and graphene products. In the paper, we will also look at ways to create a sustainable supply of graphene. We will discuss how graphene can be useful as bullet protection and how it can give an edge to our military. Lastly, we will discuss how the military can make use of the strength of graphene in vehicles and even weaponry, as well as what the development of graphene can mean for the safety of our world. Keywords—Body Armor, Bulletproofing, Carbon Nanotubes, Graphene, Graphene Oxide, Military, Warfare HISTORY OF BULLETPROOFING Militaries across the globe need to provide protection for their soldiers. The first forms of armor can be traced back to the Middle Ages when knights went to battle wearing armor consisting of rigid plates that were capable of stopping blows from weaker forms of attack, such as swords and arrows. These archaic forms of armor soon became obsolete around the 1500s with the invention of more powerful ranged weapons, such as firearms [1]. The previous rigid armor was no longer effective against the concentrated shock of being shot by the higher velocity, black powder propelled rounds that emerged from the barrels of rifles. As time progressed, shock absorbing vests became more refined, with the first notable usage appearing in the English Civil War by Oliver Cromwell and his cavalry between 1642 and 1651. These double layered, metal cuirasses, or vests, were rather heavy, but proved to be very effective in battle [1]. Another notable use of this new technology was its adoption by Australian Outlaw Ned Kelly in 1880 [1]. The criminal equipped his gang with homemade armor that was constructed from steel ploughshares [1]. Weighing around one hundred pounds, it consisted of a helmet, a vest, and an apron [1]. It was worn under long coats, standing up to barrages of fire from law enforcement, denting the armor without penetrating it [1]. This new adaptation was incredibly effective, until police realized that it offered no protection to the arms and legs, resulting in the eventual demise of the Ned Kelly Gang [1]. The experimentation continued in World War I, when the United States began equipping its men with a combination of a breastplate and a helmet, also known as a Brewster Body Shield [1]. It was primarily constructed of chrome nickel steel, providing sufficient protection from incoming rifle rounds and weighing only around forty pounds [1]. While strong and semi-lightweight, the rigidity of the Brewster Body Shield seriously restricted a soldier’s ability to move, making it mildly impractical. This led to a search for a more flexible alternative. Up until the 1960s the most effective new models for bulletproofing included heavy flak jackets and other large contraptions [1]. That was until DuPont, a company based in the United States, invented flexible, strong, artificial fibers called aramids [1]. After the company’s invention of its first fiber, Nomex, the bulletproofing industry was once again booming [1]. Finally, in the early 1970s, Dupont invented a revolutionary new fiber called Kevlar [1]. Vests manufactured with Kevlar are strong, lightweight, and can be easily concealed under everyday attire, making them ideal for law enforcement. The only downside to this armor included the fact that it can be penetrated by large caliber rounds, offering limited protection [1]. Unfortunately, however, after the adoption of Kevlar, the progress in searching for more effective materials has ground to a halt.