Cambridge develops new type of fibre for armour

A group of scientists in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge have developed a type of carbon fibre which could be woven into armour to give reinforced protection.

The researchers claim that their fibre is already several times stronger than the protective body armour being used by armed forces around the world. The carbon fibre is comprised of millions of nanotubes which are just one atom thick.

Cambridge patented the product in 2003 but has now licensed it to Q-Flo Limited, a university spin-out company, who will carry on the research into the technology.

The developers claim that the fibre they have created is high up in the current rang of protective fibres such as Kevlar.

The new technology has already caught the eye of the UK Ministry of Defence and the US Army.