Why composite material?
The U. S. Army has become interested in composite materials and ways in which they can replace materials now used in everything from airplanes, tanks and projectiles to soldier helmets, shoe inserts and body armor. Vaidya is nearing the end of a four-year, $2 million contract from the Army Research Laboratory to develop new, low-cost composite materials that lighten the soldiers’ loads and make stronger, lighter combat weaponry. A composite material can be made up of resins such as epoxy, phenolic or vinyl esters and are reinforced with high-strength glass, Kevlar or carbon fibers. Materials can weigh 80 percent less than steel, yet be more durable. That’s one reason many of the military’s vehicles – such as the Stryker, Abrams tanks, helicopters and ships — are being armored with composites. Composite materials also are cheaper over the life of the product, Vaidya says. “If you look at manufacturing and material costs, one to one, steel will work out to be cheaper. But if you look at
