A team of researchers has created a new wearable material that could significantly lower the chances of getting a concussion, according to a recent study.

Leading this research is John LaRocco, a scientist at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He developed a method to incorporate starch into aerogel, a very lightweight material often used for insulation. Using two devices to launch tennis balls at a simulated head, the study revealed that this new material can stop fast-moving objects and protect against blunt impacts.

“Our composite can absorb about 70% of the impact under optimal conditions,” LaRocco noted. “This means only 30% of the force reaches the head.”

This research was recently published in the journal Technologies.

Since concussions can have serious health and financial consequences, the team’s affordable design makes it applicable in various fields like construction and military. Traditional protective gear, like helmets, can be too bulky or impractical for some situations. Implementing this new material could enhance safety for athletes, explained Taeyoon Eom, a co-author and recent graduate from Ohio State.

“Our material is lightweight and affordable, making it more accessible to enhance safety without adding extra weight,” said Eom, who was motivated to contribute to concussion safety after experiencing a severe concussion in a boxing match.

To evaluate the effectiveness of their material, the team tested three samples: one with no protection, one with foam padding, and the new composite aerogel infused with cornstarch. They included a hard hat in some experiments to see how these materials might function as helmet liners.

The researchers employed a spring-loaded device, commonly used for dog toys, alongside a potato cannon to launch tennis balls at their simulated heads. They also placed sensitive electronics between the layers of each material to gather detailed data on every impact.

The findings indicated that the composite material deformed only about 31% as much as the plain aerogel, showing improved impact absorption. The electronics stayed intact, unlike with the plain gel. “It was a process of continuous testing and refinement,” Eom explained.

While earlier studies using aerogel composites reported 80% impact absorption, the materials they used were significantly more expensive.

The collaborative effort in combining starch with aerogel enhances its resistance to impact, allowing for protective gear that is thinner and more flexible without sacrificing safety.

“This project has truly been a knockout,” LaRocco added.