In the field of modern protection, with the continuous improvement of weapon power, the requirements for bulletproof materials are becoming increasingly stringent. Silicon carbide, a seemingly ordinary but highly energetic material, is gradually emerging as a new favorite in the bulletproof industry. Today, we will unveil the mysterious veil of silicon carbide bulletproof.
1、 Unveiling the bulletproof principle
The core of armor protection lies in consuming the energy of projectiles, slowing them down until they lose their hazard. Traditional metal materials rely on plastic deformation to absorb energy, while ceramic materials achieve this goal through a unique micro crushing process. Taking silicon carbide bulletproof ceramics as an example, when a projectile impacts, the projectile first becomes blunt instantly on the impact surface, and the ceramic surface is crushed to form a hard fragmented area. This process is like giving the projectile a “hammer” and initially absorbing energy; Then, the blunted projectile continued to move forward, eroding the fragmented area and forming a continuous layer of ceramic fragments; Finally, the ceramic fractures under tensile stress, and the backplate begins to deform. The remaining energy is absorbed entirely by the deformation of the backplate material.
2、 Why can silicon carbide be bulletproof?
Silicon carbide is a compound mainly composed of covalent bonds, and its Si-C bonds can maintain high strength at high temperatures. This unique structure endows silicon carbide ceramics with many excellent properties. It has extremely high hardness, second only to diamond, cubic boron nitride, and boron carbide among common materials. It is like a warrior wearing a hard armor, capable of strongly resisting projectile impact; At the same time, it has a lower density and is lighter in weight when made into bulletproof equipment. Whether it is for individual combat or equipped on vehicles and aircraft, it will not become an additional burden, but can instead improve the mobility of combat units. In addition, silicon carbide also has good thermal stability and chemical corrosion resistance, and can stably play a bulletproof role in various complex environments.
3、 The unique advantages of reaction sintered silicon carbide in customized parts
In the preparation process of silicon carbide ceramics, reaction sintered silicon carbide (RBSiC) stands out, especially suitable for customized part production, for the following reasons:
1. High density and high strength: Under high temperature conditions, free carbon reacts with liquid silicon to generate new silicon carbide crystals. At the same time, free silicon permeates and fills the pores, greatly increasing the density of the material, almost approaching the theoretical density. This not only endows the material with excellent compressive and bending strength, but also gives it good wear resistance, which can withstand high pressure and high impact conditions, meeting the strict requirements of customized parts for strength and durability.
2. Controllable microstructure: The reaction sintering process can precisely control the growth of grains, forming small and uniform microstructures. This fine microstructure further enhances the mechanical properties of the material, enabling it to remain stable and less prone to cracking or damage when facing various complex stresses, providing a solid guarantee for the reliability of customized parts.
3. High dimensional accuracy: During the densification process, the dimensional changes of reaction sintered silicon carbide are minimal, which is crucial for customized parts. Whether it is a single soldier bulletproof plug with complex shapes or a special vehicle protective component with strict size requirements, they can be precisely manufactured to ensure perfect compatibility with equipment.
4. Good chemical stability: Reaction sintered silicon carbide has almost no open pores, making it difficult for oxygen and corrosive substances to penetrate the interior of the material, thus possessing extremely strong oxidation and corrosion resistance. This means that customized silicon carbide bulletproof products can still maintain stable performance, extend service life, and reduce maintenance costs in harsh natural or chemical environments for a long time.
4、 Silicon carbide bulletproof application field
With its excellent performance, silicon carbide bulletproof materials have been widely used in multiple fields:
1. Individual equipment: silicon carbide bulletproof vest lining, bulletproof helmet, etc., provide soldiers with lightweight and high protection, allowing them to flexibly fight on the battlefield while having reliable safety protection.
2. Special vehicles: such as armored vehicles, cash transport vehicles, anti-terrorism and riot control vehicles, etc., are equipped with silicon carbide ceramic armor in key parts, which can effectively resist various weapon attacks and protect the safety of personnel and important materials inside the vehicle.
3. Aerospace: Silicon carbide bulletproof materials are used on armed helicopters and other aircraft to reduce their own weight, improve flight performance, and enhance their ability to protect against enemy fire, ensuring flight safety.
With the continuous advancement of technology, silicon carbide bulletproof materials will continue to develop and innovate, building a stronger defense line for safety protection. If you are interested in customized parts of reaction sintered silicon carbide ceramics, please feel free to contact us.
Post time: Jun-06-2025