VTT develops superior bullet-proof material
Big market potential in the defence industry

Pekka Lintula (left) and Jukka Kemppainen. High resolution image Photo: Kalle Heiska

The new compound consisting of ceramic and metal and is as hard as ceramic and tungsten carbide, much tougher than ceramic and easy to mould into the desired shape. The material is highly resistant to repeated impact and heavy blows and penetrative forces. At the same time, it has high resistance to elevated temperatures. The aluminium oxides and other ceramic materials currently used in armour are brittle and therefore unable to absorb multiple impacts.

The idea came as a spin-off of a project to develop new wear and corrosion-resistant materials and coating techniques for industrial machinery. The material was tested as part of a project funded by the Scientific Defence Council, the Defence Forces Research Centre, the Police Technology Centre, several private companies, and the National Development Agency TEKES. The use of the material for bullet-proofing applications was patented by VTT.

"Exote"-bullet-proof. High resolution image Photo: Pekka Lintula

According to Mr Jukka Kemppainen, CEO of Exote Oy, the company aims at becoming the world's leading supplier of advanced bullet-proofing materials. Currently the material and related manufacturing techniques are being honed for large-scale production. Tests are also being carried out to explore other industrial applications. The market is now ready for this new material developed by VTT, and results obtained from tests performed by defence materials manufacturers in Australia, Europe and the USA have been encouraging. Over the next few years, the criteria concerning the standard of protection required for personnel carriers, aircraft and armoured vehicles and value transports will increase to a level that can only be met by this new material, says Kemppainen.

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