Dynamic load-absorbing materials and articles

Abstract

A compound for protection of an object from a blast or shock wave. The compound include a matrix material and at least a first and second sets of inclusions in the matrix material that differ in size, quantity, shape and/or composition in a direction through the impact-absorbing material, the combination of which contributes to the ability of the material to exhibit at least one property that changes as the inclusions are deformed in response to a blast or shock wave.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of making a blast or shock wave mitigating material, comprising: providing a compound that is curable to form a polymer, providing a mold cavity having an internal height adapted and configured to produce cured polymer suitable to be used in a helmet or as a sheet of material to be used in blast protection panel, the mold cavity configured to provide geometric features within the cured polymer; placing the compound in the mold cavity; curing the compound for at least about five minutes; exposing the mixture in the mold cavity to pressure less than ambient pressure after said permitting; removing the substantially polymerized material from the mold; filling the geometric features with a fluid; and forming the material as an interior portion of a helmet or as the blast protection panel. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid is water. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the filling fluid is oil. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the filling fluid is uncured silicone.