PROTECTIVE COATINGS FOR
BLAST MITIGATION AND
MILITARY APPLICATIONS
Protecting Soldiers and Civilians from Explosive Threats
Today blasts and ballistic impacts pose a greater threat to both soldiers and civilians than at any other point in history. The rise of terror groups and spread of extremist ideologies combined with boiling geopolitical tensions and more accessible weapons technology have created harrowing new challenges in protecting the lives of our servicemen and the sanctity of our public spaces. Blast mitigation coatings are designed to provide a first layer of defense against the threat of explosions by strengthening structures and equipment to protect occupants and minimize material damage. These coatings are made of robust polyurea technology that can be easily applied to almost any surface, absorbing explosive impacts to maintain structural integrity and safeguard invaluable human life before, during, and after a blast.
POLYUREA COATINGS
FOR BLAST MITIGATION
POLYUREA COATINGS FOR BLAST MITIGATION
Polyurea is a versatile technology that’s used as a protective coating for countless industrial and commercial applications, from truck bedliners and secondary containment systems to radar absorbance or farm equipment. Its widespread use is thanks to its highly modular physical properties, which generally exhibit high flexibility, robust durability, and strong chemical resistivity. Depending on the formulation, polyurea coatings can also offer UV protection and customizable colors and finishes that are perfect for outdoor applications or projects that can’t compromise on aesthetics. And unlike traditional alternatives, polyurea is solvent-free, VOC-free, and made of 100% solids, protecting people and property at no risk to the environment.
Together these properties make polyurea the ideal technology for blast mitigation coatings, where they can effectively prevent structural failure and minimize casualties in case of an explosive event. Instead of exposing structures to the full force of a blast, polyurea creates a watertight barrier that can effectively absorb and dissipate energy to reduce the load on underlying structures. Polyurea formulations are engineered to resist the harsh conditions of an explosive blast, and can perform under extreme conditions including temperatures of up to 350°F. This has seen polyurea coatings used in military installations, armored vehicles, safe rooms, and anywhere else facing the risk of blasts or ballistic impacts.
ARMORTHANE’S BLAST MITIGATION COATINGS
ArmorThane offers an extensive catalog of polyurea and polyurethane formulations that are specially engineered for optimal performance in distinct applications. We’ve developed two coatings products for blast mitigation, aptly named ArmorBlast and UltraBlast. Both formulations comprise robust two-component, 100% solids polyurea that can be applied to virtually any surface, including common structural materials like metals, fiberglass, concrete, and wood. Developed and refined over over our more than 35 years experience with polyurea technology, our blast mitigation technology has been field tested to provide reliable protection in a variety of threat scenarios.
Physical Properties
Tear*
Tensile*
Elongation*
Surface Hardness*
ArmorBlast Pure Polyurea
ASTM D-2240
550 pli
ASTM D-412 3600 psi
ASTM D-412 350%
ASTM D-1737 95-97 Shore A
UltraBlast Pure Polyurea
Die “C” ASTM D‐624* 250 +/- 25 pli
ASTM D-412 7100 psi
ASTM D412 800%
ASTM D-2240 50/95 Shore D/A
Physical Properties
- ArmorBlast Pure Polyurea
- UltraBlast Pure Polyurea
Tear*
- ASTM D-2240 550 pli
- Die “C” ASTM D‐624* 250 +/- 25 pli
Tensile*
- ASTM D-412 3600 psi
- ASTM D-412 7100 psi
Elongation*
- ASTM D-412 350%
- ASTM D412 800%
Surface Hardness*
- ASTM D-1737 95-97 Shore A
- ASTM D-2240 50/95 Shore D/A
*Please note, spray equipment, testing parameters, and application environment may result in differing properties. Users should perform their own independent testing as properties are approximate. Technical Data Sheets offer more information.
Watch Blast Testing Videos at University of
Missouri Explosion Lab and in Iraq.
Please contact ArmorThane to determine which is the best product for the project.
Call 1.800.227.2905.
RELATED PAGES
FAQ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Blast mitigation is the process of implementing preventative measures in case of an unexpected or unintentional explosion. Blast mitigation strategies refer to the specific plans and actions used to mitigate the threats posed by explosive blasts. This can include the implementation of distancing measures, defensive materials, or additional security infrastructure that can help protect structures and ensure safety in both military and civilian environments.
Blast mitigation coatings are used across varied environments including military and security installations, government and civic buildings, power and chemical plants, and other sensitive or at-risk sites and infrastructure. Almost any structure or surface can be protected with advanced coating technologies like polyurea, which can help absorb the impact from a blast to save lives and preserve assets.
Polyurea is highly effective for blast mitigation and countless military applications. It’s a powerful technology used in protective coatings across industries and sectors, thanks to its robust physical properties that help to resist weathering and abrasion. Polyurea is used in blast mitigation because it efficiently absorbs and dissipates the energy of a blast to reduce the load on structures, minimizing material damage and protecting human lives.
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ABOUT BLAST MITIGATION
ArmorThane is proud to supply our technology for protecting military and civilian safety, and we do everything we can to make sure our products are as effective and accessible as possible. That’s why we offer specialized deal programs designed to match your budget, which help you find the best and most cost effective solution for your specific project. With over 35 years of experience as a full-service provider of polyurea technology and with an expertise in blast mitigation, we’re your one-stop-shop for everything polyurea and polyurethane. We invite you to consult with one of our coatings experts to receive a custom quote and to discover more about ArmorThane’s innovative technology and industry-leading customer service. What we do is for you, and what we do together, is for them. Let’s partner together to create a safer world.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TYLER GLECKLER
I am a chemist with a specialization in nanotechnology and applied materials chemistry. My work has focused on the characterization of optoelectronic materials, namely including semiconductor nanocrystals.
