Aug 12, 2025

US12384901 - Composite materials for anti-ballistic applications and methods of fabrication thereof

A composite material, methods for its fabrication and example applications. The composite material comprises a polymer having a carbon allotrope incorporated into the polymer's crystalline structure. The material is characterized by a crystallinity greater than the native crystallinity of the polymer in the absence of the carbon allotrope being incorporated into the polymer's crystalline structure. The composite material is non-laminate, substantially excludes metals, ceramics, and cermets, and is electrically conductive. The carbon allotrope serves as a bridge between a first region of the polymer and a second region of the polymer. The fabrication method involves mixing a powder of polymer and carbon allotrope particles, suspending the powder in a solvent, spinning the solution into fibers, and drawing the fibers into a composite material. Applications include collecting data responsive to stimulating the composite material, comparing the data to thresholds, determining the material's condition, and transmitting a decision regarding its continued use.

Assignee: LYTEN, INC.
Inventors: Bryce H. Anzelmo, Saemi Poelma, Peter Boul
Filing date: 2024-03-20

The patent describes a composite material for anti-ballistic applications that incorporates a carbon allotrope into the crystalline structure of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), resulting in increased crystallinity and electrical conductivity. The fabrication method involves creating fibers from a mixture of polymer and carbon allotrope, with potential applications in monitoring the material’s condition and performance.

Claim 1

A composite material, comprising: a polymer comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); and a carbon allotrope incorporated into a crystalline structure of the polymer, wherein the composite material is characterized by a crystallinity that is at least about 1.33% greater than a native crystallinity of the polymer in absence of the carbon allotrope, and wherein the composite material is characterized by a single-layer structure. a polymer comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); and a carbon allotrope incorporated into a crystalline structure of the polymer, wherein the composite material is characterized by a crystallinity that is at least about 1.33% greater than a native crystallinity of the polymer in absence of the carbon allotrope, and wherein the composite material is characterized by a single-layer structure.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12384901

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12384901