The patented Active Protection System is a unique protective textile that instantly becomes rigid upon impact, but remains flexible and breathable when protection is not required. The System consists of a three-dimensional spacer fabric treated with a silicone coating. Versatile, durable and lightweight, it can be incorporated directly into a wide range of products to provide unprecedented levels of safety:

• High-Performance Apparel
• Industrial & Geo Fabrics
• Medical Devices
• Military & Civil Defense
• Architecture & Construction

 

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• High Performance: Instantly absorbs and dissipates high-impact energy
• Flexible: Delivers unrestricted freedom of movement
• Breathable: Uses an open structure that allows natural ventilation and airflow
• Lightweight: Lighter and less bulky than many protective systems
• Versatile: Can be cut, shaped and contoured for virtually unlimited design possibilities
• Customizable: Material properties can be adapted to meet exact manufacturer needs

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©2006-2007 Dow Corning Corporation. All rights reserved. Dow Corning is a registered trademark of Dow Corning Corporation.

Under normal conditions, the crosslinking bonds of the fabric’s dilatant silicone coating open and re-form easily, keeping the material soft and flexible. However, under sudden impact, these bonds are unable to open. The material resists the force and instantly becomes rigid. This effect only lasts for the duration of the impacting force. After the force has been dissipated through the dilatant/fabric construction, the silicone immediately becomes soft and flexible again. Read a recent article to learn more.

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©2006-2007 Dow Corning Corporation. All rights reserved. Dow Corning is a registered trademark of Dow Corning Corporation.

In addition to offering great design flexibility, fabric plays a key role in the performance of the Active Protection System. Our typical fabric uses spacer yarns to create a three-dimensional structure designed for optimal absorption of the impacting force. The fabric’s surface coating and spacer yarns in the immediate impact area instantly become rigid and transmit energy to adjacent spacer yarns, thus absorbing and distributing energy away from the impact site. This innovative micro-engineering provides maximum protection, yet leaves the System lightweight, flexible and completely breathable.

 

 

 

 

Using this website means you understand our Privacy Statement and agree to our Terms & Conditions.
©2006-2007 Dow Corning Corporation. All rights reserved. Dow Corning is a registered trademark of Dow Corning Corporation.