AKRON Ohio (Sept. 9, 2008) — Law enforcement agencies are adopting a new generation polymer bullet, using a synthetic rubber developed by a University of Akron professor, that has nonlethal properties superior to conventional rubber projectiles.
Judit E. Puskas, professor of polymer science at UA, developed the synthetic rubber projectile that impacts but doesn't penetrate human tissue, the university said. It also is safer to use in fragile environments such as in-flight aircraft.
Puskas based her development on butyl rubber, which absorbs energy upon its contact with another object. She invented the specialized bullet in collaboration with aerodynamics specialist Barry Lamperd, CEO of Lamperd Less Lethal Ammunitions, and graduate student Amer Ebied of Ontario.
The professor said the projectile won't penetrate the human body the way current rubber and plastic bullets often do, making it less likely to cause a fatality.