Breakthrough in Civilian Protection: Bomb-proof wallpaper!

Since bombs and explosives became a common means of conducting warfare, scientists and military strategists have been trying to keep up with protection against them. The concrete bunker, a reinforced building made from steel and cement that is mostly concealed beneath the ground, has long been the most effective protection against large explosions created by bombs. However, with the ever advancing edge of military technology, bunkers are starting to become obsolete. Bunker-buster missiles are missiles that are able to penetrate hard surfaces such as concrete, prior to detonation, allowing the explosive warhead to reach the desired target, several feet through a hardened surface.

Berry Plastics Corporation has seen the situation from a different perspective than everyone else. Rather than trying to change the structural integrity of the building, Berry Plastics developed X-Flex - a blast resistant, peel-and-stick "wallpaper" that can withstand the shock wave of a medium sized bomb or explosive.

Rigorous full scale testing of X-Flex has resulted in proven performance to specific threat levels (Level and supporting data are available upon request). The fiber-reinforced polymer composite is engineered for adhesion to CMU, brick and other surfaces, and performs well across a wide temperature range and diverse environmental conditions. X-Flex is moisture, mold and fungus-resistant, and the environmentally friendly product contains no VOCs. Furthermore, it is easy to transport and store, and is equally efficient to install.

"These are factors that are critical to our military personnel," Ms. Curran said. "Unlike traditional methods for increased protection, which required specialized equipment, toxic materials, difficult transport and lengthy implementation through trained labor, X-Flex can be installed instantly - and performs as soon as it is installed. Two individuals can retrofit a 10-by-10-foot wall in a matter of minutes."

An exceptionally formulated adhesive system allows the patent pending X-Flex to be applied to the primed interior side of an exterior wall simply by removing the protective film liner and sticking the product to the wall. X-Flex is further supported by a simple fastener at the top and bottom of the wall at the floor and ceiling interface.

Best Of What's New 2009: Bombproof Wallpaper Test from PopSci.com on Vimeo.

Sources:
Berry Plastics X-Flex Statement

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