Functional graded material with nano-structured coating for protection

Ceramic composite armour that is use in bullet proof vest utilises a front layer of dense ceramic, typically backed by a second layer of metal. The weakest link of the material system is at the interface between the transition of the ceramics and metal. The use of functionally graded materials can help to reduce the dissimilarity at the interface, thereby providing high hardness of ceramics at the top surface with the combination of good ductility of the metals for the backing. Further enhancement was made with the application of the nano-structured coating that increases the surface hardness by 2-3 as compared to the dense ceramic tile. Laboratory scale experiments were being performed to exhibit the potential of this material in terms of physical and mechanical properties.