Protective Ceramics

Ceramic materials have been important components in protection concepts against highly dynamic stresses for decades. High-performance composite armor systems, in which high-performance ceramics based on Al₂O₃, SiC and B₄C are combined with metals, plastics and textiles, are indispensable for the realization of reliable protection systems. The outstanding properties of ceramics, such as high hardness and strength, give these material systems an extraordinarily high resistance to impact effects, harsh environmental conditions and wear. The specific weight, which is up to two thirds lower than that of steel, makes these ceramics particularly interesting with regard to possible weight reductions when realizing high protection levels. “Transparent ceramics such as MgAl₂O₄ (spinel) or Y₂O₃ combine ballistic protection with optical functionality in a wide wavelength range.”

Services offered
 

Realization of ceramic-based protection systems against highly dynamic stresses and threats through:

• Focused material and technology development in the field of oxide and non-oxide protective ceramics and their integration into the protective system
• Optimization of classic material systems (e.g. Al₂O₃, SiC, B₄C, MgAl₂O₄) and new development of innovative ceramic systems in combination with additional reinforcing components such as metals, carbide hard materials and diamond
• Application and adaptation of highly qualified shaping technologies such as multidirectional pressing and additive manufacturing processes as well as coordinated heat treatment
• Comprehensive characterization of the developed materials and protection systems

Shape-flexible ceramic-based protective systems: 3D topological interlocked structures* (left); additively manufactured using binder jetting (right).

*Dyskin, A. V., Estrin, Y., Kanel-Belov, A. J. & Pasternak, E. Toughening by Fragmentation - How Topology Helps. Adv. Eng. Mater. 3, 885-888 (2001).