I came across this today whilst looking for something quite different but it seems to be an interesting potential technology. Flexible until struck by an impacting force then it "locks" up. THE TECHNOLOGY HEROES Stuart Sawyer, D30 D30 is a bright orange putty that is soft when handled gently but stiffens immediately when hit. Boss Stuart Sawyer has created a market for this patented gel in products ranging from snowboarding clothing to “military grade” smartphone cases and trainers. Find out more about the Flubber-like substance and see it in action Motorcycle - D3O Lab Youtube video demonstration.
We had a freestyle competition jointly sponsored by D3O about 9 years ago. They gave away woolly hats with D3O in the lining, so if you had a tumble it became a hard hat (sort of). It's pretty clever stuff.
Forcefield body armour works in a similar way. It reminds of of an old Mythbusters programme, where they filled a swimming pool full of cornstarch and water; when you walked you sank, and if you run you stayed on top.
Protection in say clothing, I thought reduces deceleration preventing injury, softening the blow! If this goes solid immediately, is that not a bad thing?
D3O is very comfortable, but note that most of it is only CE Level 1 protection. Held do a range of D3O replacement armour that can be fitted to whatever clothing you already have. I use it on my commuter gear and it's really good stuff.
