Transparent Aluminum

[zorgon]

[zorgon]

OPTICALLY CLEAR ALUMINUM PROVIDES BULLETPROOF PROTECTION
June 3, 2015

hile the U.S. Navy is busy with the development of a new bulletproof material called Spinel, Surmet Corporation is already commercially producing its own version called ALON®. Technically known as aluminum oxynitride, Star Trek fans may be more familiar with the term "transparent aluminum" first proposed by Scotty in the 1986 movie, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. While ALON isn't quite what Scotty had in mind (it's not truly a transparent metallic aluminum, but rather a transparent aluminum-based ceramic), it's pretty darn close.

Developed by Raytheon, ALON begins as a powder, which is then molded and baked in very high heat. The heating process causes the powder to liquefy and cool quickly, leaving the molecules loosely arranged, as if still in liquid form. It is this crystalline structure that provides ALON its level of strength and scratch resistance comparable to rugged sapphire. Polishing the aluminum oxynitride strengthens the material and also makes it extremely clear.

http://www.tssbulletproof.com/optically-clear-aluminum-provides-bulletproof-protection/

[The Seeker]

" Isn't it remarkable how the science fiction of today becomes' tomorrow's reality..."
Jules Verne and H G Wells circa 1900



seeker

[Shasta56]

There's a Raytheon facility across the road from Buckley AFB.  Interesting alignment.  IMO.

Shasta

[Dyna]

Humm now if you crumple it will it unwrinkle!