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D3O (formally "D3o") is a polyurethane energy-absorbing material containing several additives and Polyborodimethylsiloxane a dilatant non-Newtonian fluid.
Contents
Polyborodimethylsiloxane is a liquid substance, that in its raw state flows freely when moved slowly, but on shock, locks together to absorb and disperse energy, before returning to its flexible state. The commercial material known as D3O is in essence polyurethane foam with traces of polyborodimethylsiloxane which makes the product rate sensitive thus dissipating more energy than plain polyurethane at specific energy levels. D3O's technology is sometimes used in skiing/snowboarding and motorcycle suits.
History
British engineer Richard Palmer discovered the material in 1999, first isolating it at the University of Hertfordshire. Palmer went on to found the firm D3O Lab to develop and market the product. The company commercialized the D3O material in 2006. In 2009, the UK Ministry of Defence awarded D3O Lab £100,000 to fit helmets in order to reduce the kinetic energy of a bullet or shrapnel on impact, because of its moldable properties.
D3O applications
D3O has been applied in the following areas: