The JHU material

New Foam Material Offers Safety and Comfort

March 17, 2022
A new lightweight, foam-like material could reduce fuel consumption in vehicles and make protective gear more comfortable.

A team of Johns Hopkins University researchers created a shock-absorbing material that protects like a metal, but is lighter, stronger and reusable. The new foam-like material could be a game-changer for helmets, body armor and automobile and aerospace parts. The team wanted to create a material even more energy-absorbing than current car bumpers and helmet padding. The researchers noticed that typical materials used for protective devices don’t perform well at higher speeds and often aren’t reusable.

The team increased the foam-like material’s ability to withstand impacts by adding high-energy-absorbing liquid crystal elastomers, which have been used mainly in actuators and robotics.

During testing, the new recyclable material held up against strikes from objects weighing about 4 to 15 lb traveling up to 22 mph. The team is confident the padding could safely absorb even greater impacts.

“We are excited about our findings on the extreme energy absorption capability of the new material,” says JHU researcher Sung Hoon Kang, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering. “The material offers more protection from a wide range of impacts but being lighter could reduce fuel consumption and the environmental impact of vehicles while being more comfortable for those wearing protective gears.”

Kang and his team are exploring a collaboration with a helmet company to design, fabricate and test next-generation helmets for athletes and the military.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 27, 2025
Ensure workplace safety and compliance with our comprehensive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Training course. Learn critical procedures to prevent serious injuries.
June 27, 2025
Join our expert webinar to discover essential safety control measures and best practices for engineering a truly safe and compliant industrial environment.
June 25, 2025
An innovative aircraft with electric drives combines the best of both worlds. The cross between drone and helicopter could mean significantly faster and more efficient air emergency...
June 25, 2025
Effective when other materials fail, ceramics are particularly suitable for applications requiring wear and chemical resistance, sliding characteristics or biocompatibility. Discover...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!