ApNano, the first commercial nano-based lubricant available since 2004, has been adapted for use in products benefiting from its shock absorbing properties by researchers at the University of Nottingham. Unique for an ability to withstand shock pressure created by collisions occurring at velocities up to 250 tons per square centimeter (the example given in the article compares it to a fingernail-sized space withstanding the impact of four diesel locomotives), ApNano can resist penetration by a steel pellet accelerating up to 1.5 kilometers per second. ApNano is five times stronger than steel.

Since the material can be mixed with elastic substances, other applications can be developed that exhibit pliancy while retaining ApNano's shock-absorbant ability. The first commercial products with ApNano integration such as bullet proof vests and body/vehicle armor for the military, police, and security industry could be available in three years.

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