Pressure forces liquid into nano pores.
AgileZorb works on a near molecular scale. Due to the small size of the pores, AgileZorb reacts in 0.1-1 µsec, hundreds of time faster than standard foams and other energy absorbing materials. The reaction time is critical for blast mitigation. Conventional materials, which rely on mechanical properties for energy absorption (e.g., the buckling of cells) can require milliseconds to react, allowing the blast energy to pass directly into the body.
AgileZorb works over a wide temperature range (-60¡F to +160¡F storage, -40¡C to +130¡F operational).
AgileZorb offers new dimensions in product performance. For example, by mixing two or more types of particles, AgileZorb provides true variable rate damping - comfort during normal use but strong protection on impact.
AgileZorb's energy absorbing characteristics can be tailored for each application by:
Changing the nanoporous particles, the quantity and mixture of particles, and the pore size.
Altering the chemical treatment and treatment time.
Changing the composition of the suspension liquid.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
AgileZorb Technology
AgileZorb smoothens and lowers blast pressures.
AgileZorb consists of nanoporous particles suspended in a specially formulated liquid or gel. Pressure rapidly forces the liquid into normally empty nanopores, absorbing a tremendous amount of energy. 60% – 80% of the energy is dissipated as heat. Additional energy is dissipated by storing then releasing the energy through a gentle spring-like action.
AgileZorb achieves ultra-high performance because the entire surface area of the nanoporous particles helps absorb energy. Each gram of particles (a couple cubic centimeters) has 100-2,000 square meters of surface area - the equivalent of up to half of a football field.
AgileZorb's energy absorbing capabilities, while trivial on a single pore basis, become enormous when multiplied by ~1020 pores per gram of particles. One milliliter of AgileZorb solution can absorb between 0.1 Joules of energy at 25 psi pressure up to 40 Joules of energy at 10,000 psi pressure levels. One ounce of AgileZorb (28.3 grams) can absorb the energy generated by a 200 pound person jumping off a 3 foot wall.
The main advantages of AgileZorb include:
High energy absorption efficiency, AgileZorb has 10–1,000 times as much absorption capability (10–100 J/g) as EPP/EPS/Silicone on a weight basis.1
A high response rate. AgileZorb's reacts in microseconds, 100–1,000 times faster than conventional energy absorption materials which require milliseconds to react.
The energy absorption efficiency increases with loading rate. AgileZorb works best with rapid energy rise times. Conventional materials (e.g. foams) become rigid at high loading rates.
Variable rate damping can be achieved by mixing different types of particles in the liquid/gel.
AgileZorb is a liquid or gel. The packages can conform to complex shapes, distributing energy over their entire surface.
1 Han A, Qiao Y. J. Phys. D — Appl. Phys. 40, 5743 (2007).
