Bullet-Proof Paint

A Vietnamese research chemist recently introduced a new type of paint that can stop a bullet from two meters away. The key ingredient is a nano-silica substance found in rice husks. While conventional protective vests require 20 to 40 layers to obstruct a bullet, the number of layers could be reduced to 6 when coated with the new paint. That translates into less bulk and weight for the wearer.

But it turns out that rice husks have some additional properties that have been incorporated into other paint products. For example: a fire-resistant paint that can protect wood, steel and concrete surfaces for up to 6 hours at temperatures of 1000 degrees Celsius; an antibacterial paint that destroys up to 99 of surface bacteria; and a rust-proofing paint that protects objects immersed in seawater for up to 10 years.

A side benefit of finding new uses for agricultural by-products as ubiquitous as rice husks is the additional revenue it will generate for famers.