Page 19 - Australian Defence Mag Jul-Aug 2020

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DEFENCE BUSINESS SME WIN 19
We consider ourselves a data company that is trying to gener- ate data from sensing services (and) we happen to use gra- phene to do that,” Imagine IM vice president for Research and Development, Phil Aitchison explained to ADM.
This technology can be used for large surfaces such as buildings and has potential for a range of Defence applica- tions and the body armour project was chosen to be the first development program.
The IAX-1 proposal uses a very thin layer of graphene which can either be added to the shaped ceramic armour segments themselves, or to the textile used to encase them and its value is not in simply adding strength but to allow real-time monitoring of its condition. In its simplest form it could be as basic as the wearer pressing a button to check the integrity of the armour and if they get a green light then it is serviceable. This not only provides the wearer with confidence that the armour is fit for purpose but also promises to simplify the logistics chain, remov- ing the need for armour to be returned for inspection or recertification.
“The project is definitely on track and it will show success. You can apply the concept to the hard armour surface itself but a lot of those plates are imported, so part of our work is looking at developing a textile which could be made in Austra- lia and the armour system assembled here,” Aitchison added.
One of graphene’s many attributes is, because it is a very thin coating, it is extremely light and Aitchison estimates the entire system, including the electronic diagnostic system and wiring would only add a few grams to the weight of the armour.
Outside ADF use, many first responders around the world wear some form of body armour and the export potential of this current application is significant. Beyond the initial body armour application, Imagine IM’s technology could be used across Defence and already work is underway to explore future opportunities in the maritime domain. ■
ABOVE: LR Jarrod Smith of SORD, Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price and Horizon Defence Systems founder Trevor Thomas at the signing of the agreement.
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