Weapons from local materials? - DOST-FPRDI checks the possibilities
The experimental bamboo mat is tested as possible material for body armors at the Philippine Army R&D Center.
Did you know that the lowly “sawale” (woven bamboo mat) is a possible material for making body armors to save our soldiers’ lives?
The Department of Science and Technology’s Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) recently found that the woven bamboo mat paired with a stainless steel plate can be used for bullet-resistant vest for pistol shots. The vest was light enough for use in combat and 700 percent cheaper than most imported body armors.
According to DOST-FPRDI’s Director Romulo T. Aggangan, “This was an initial study in support of the Department of National Defense’s (DND) Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program. SRDP seeks to help the country become self-sufficient in its basic military needs by producing its own weapons such as small arms, ammunitions, and tactical communications equipment, among others.”
Bleached abaca pulp will be converted into cellulose nitrate, a main ingredient of propellants.
On January 2018, the DOST and Department of National Defense (DND) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which provided a framework for their scientific and technical cooperation to achieve SRDP.
Under the DND-DOST partnership, DOST-FPRDI has committed to develop explosives and propellants using local materials such as abaca, and gums and resins from native forest tree species.
“After research and development, we will be piloting promising production processes to see if they are technically and financially viable as well as environmentally and socially acceptable,” added Aggangan. “Our goal is to help boost the country’s internal defense capability, given the security threat posed by both communist insurgents and Islamic extremists.” ###(Rizalina K. Araral)
For your information and dissemination please.
Thank you.
Ma. Lilibeth P. Padilla
Public Affairs Unit, Communication Resources and Production Division
Science and Technology Information Institute
Department of Science and Technology (DOST-STII)
Telephone no: 837-2192 / 837-2071 (loc 2142)
Mobile no: 0961-361-8357 / 0927-434-2277
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