Again in 2019, we heard how scientists at Australia's Flinders College have been growing a light-weight materials which may sometime be utilized in shark-bite-resistant wetsuits. Nicely, that day has arrived, and such a go well with is now on Kickstarter.
Beforehand examined on floats that have been bitten by nice white sharks, the woven materials is manufactured from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene nanofibers, and is designed for use at the side of conventional neoprene.
Not solely is it claimed to be extremely puncture-, cut- and abrasion-resistant, but it surely additionally reportedly has a strength-to-weight ratio which is 50 p.c increased than that of Kevlar, and eight to fifteen occasions better than metal. It is already utilized in merchandise comparable to ballistic shields.
For the Shark Cease wetsuit – manufactured by Flinders spinoff firm Shark Cease – sheets of the fabric are utilized to both aspect of bio-based neoprene, in key physique areas the place essentially the most critical shark bites are likely to happen (comparable to across the femoral artery). The ensuing garment is claimed to be not a lot heavier than a traditional neoprene wetsuit, whereas remaining fairly versatile.
For the present crowdfunding marketing campaign, the Shark Cease wetsuit is being supplied in surf- and diving-specific fashions, and in thicknesses starting from 2 to 7 mm. Together with their shark-thwarting performance, a few of each fashions' different options embody a thigh pocket for keys, a chrome steel zipper, knee pads, and put on patches on the shoulders, elbows and seat.
Assuming they attain manufacturing, a pledge of AUD$795 (about $US569) will get you one.
Sources: Kickstarter, Shark Cease
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