Students develop cheap, light bulletproof vest
AN international-standard bulletproof vest designed by students that is lighter and much cheaper than other such products on the Thai market has been launched by Naresuan University in Phitsanulok.
The innovative composite vest was developed by six fourth-year students of the Faculty of Engineering’s Materials Engineering Department under the supervision and advice of lecturers Chuleeporn Paa-rai, Piyanun Boonpayak, Auppatham Nakaruk and Narumon Seeponkai.
The students are Kanokwan Maneeworn, Natthawut Parisawong, Banjerdlak Yaemniyom, Parichat Pomyai, Supakrit Phromdoung and Adisorn Pinmanee.
Parichat said most bulletproof vests on the market were heavy and expensive, costing up to Bt15,000.
But their vest, which performed well in tests at a military range, costs just Bt2,500.
She said the composite material – combining polymers, natural cellulose, glass, steel and ceramic fibres to create unique higher-quality properties – would prevent penetration of a fast, hot and spinning object like a bullet, reducing the force of impact and preventing injury to the wearer.
‘Did well in Army tests’
Parichat said that the hard vest’s composite plates made of glass, carbon and natural fibre were strong and light and could prevent penetration of sharp-edged bullets of .38mm, .45mm and 9mm calibre. Bullets shot from a 10-metre distance would not reach the vest’s inner layer, she added.
Narumon said the vest performed well in a test conducted at the Third Army Region’s Somdet Phra Eka Thotsarot Camp’s shooting range.
She added that in future, they would develop the innovation as a full-body, soft bulletproof garment that could be a lighter, cheaper and more effective option for troops tackling the ongoing unrest in the deep South.