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Bomb-Proof Wallpaper Developed

Posted by samzenpus on from the radiation-shielding-curtains dept.

MikeChino writes "Working in partnership with the US Army Corp of Engineers, Berry Plastics has rolled out a new breed of bomb-proof wallpaper. Dubbed the X-Flex Blast Protection System, the wallpaper is so effective that a single layer can keep a wrecking ball from smashing through a brick wall, and a double layer can stop blunt objects (i.e. a flying 2×4) from knocking down drywall. According to its designers, covering an entire room takes less than an hour."

4 of 388 comments (clear)

  1. Idle? by incognito84 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Why is this considered idle? It seems like very promising and useful technology.

    1. Re:Idle? by MrMista_B · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Because the editors are trying to scam you into thinking Idle isn't the craphole it really is.

    2. Re:Idle? by Garridan · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Probably because it was a nearly content-free "article" that had a short video clip of some shit getting smashed. Not complaining. It's a huge improvement for "idle"... but there it is.

      However, I seriously doubt that this material would actually protect a house from much. The impact from the wrecking ball broke the brick, and the "paper" held it together. But what happens when you put a roof on, and you set up the bomb? First, your doors and windows are still just as fragile... and if the impact is as strong as the wrecking ball, the entire front of the house loses structural integrity, and caves in. Suddenly, the roof doesn't have enough support, so down it comes on your head.

  2. Re:Go big or lose your wall by wish+bot · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Come on guys - it's physics.

    This material is great in tension - that's it. If you 'bend' a material, the surface closest the the force goes into compression, and the surface away from the force goes into tension. How do you strengthen a wall? Increase the compressive strength of the surface closest outside, or increase the tensile strength of the surface on the inside. Put this stuff on the inside, smack the outside with a wreaking ball, and whatdoyouknow - the wall stands up.

    I'm not saying that this isn't cool, but it's not unique - thinking composite materials here. Laminated glass does this kind of thing easily for example, when using the right kinds of laminates.

    --
    lemonade was a popular drink and it still is