US Patent 9982736 Gradient nanoparticle-carbon allotrope polymer composite

Systems and methods are provided for protective devices. A protective equipment device may include a high mass member; and a nanoparticle shock wave attenuating material layer disposed on the high mass member. The nanoparticle shock wave attenuating material layer may include a gradient nanoparticle layer including a plurality of nanoparticles of different diameters that are arranged in a gradient array; and a carbon allotrope layer disposed in proximity to the gradient nanoparticle layer, the carbon allotrope layer comprising a plurality of carbon allotrope members suspended in a matrix.