January 8, 2021 at 13:15 p.m. at the President Meeting Room, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University – Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University represents KKU to transfer 10 “Bullet-proof plates made from cocoon” to Pol. Lt. Col. Suthat Paiboon, Deputy Inspector of Ban Pet Provincial Police Station and the police officers. Among those attending the event were Prof. Dr. Thidarat Boonmars, Vice President for Innovation and Enterprise; Asst. Prof. Panomkorn Khwakhong from Department of Chemistry Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, the developer of the bullet proof plates and Khun Jiraporn Luangpairin, Director of the Office of Intellectual Property.
Asst. Prof. Panomkorn Khwakhong from Department of Chemistry Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, the researcher who developed the cocoon plate that can receive impact from bullets. The research has been carried out until the product is of the reliable quality. This bullet-proof plate weighs 950 grams, is 25 cm wide, 30 cm long, 8mm thick. It can receive impact from short-gun bullets. Ten bullet-proof plates were given to the police officers today for their use in their duties, which will increase the safety of life. The invention is the pride of the researcher as it will benefit the society. The fact that the police contacted the university and asked for these plates shows that they accept the efficiency of Khon Kaen University’s research work.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University welcomed the participants at the event and explained about the intention of Khon Kaen University to support research work that lead to creation of benefits to the community. After the welcoming speech, the President then gave the 10 bullet-proof plates to Pol. Lt. Col. Suthat Paiboon, Deputy Inspector of Ban Pet Provincial Police Station.
Pol. Lt. Col. Suthat Paiboon, Deputy Inspector of Ban Pet Provincial Police Station said that the police knew about the research via the media, which presented the efficiency and so became interested. Ban Pet Provincial Police Station had not had any bullet-proof materials that could be used by the officers when they deal with the risk situations. These officers need to protect themselves with ballistic vests, but the office has no budget to afford a vest for each officer. Some officer spent his own money to buy the vest.
“I am happy that Khon Kaen University sees the usefulness for the people and conducted this research until the result can be of use. The plates will be very useful for our officers who have to go out and take care of the people, sometimes under great risks. I have studied the work of KKU from the presentation in the media and I am confident that the work is efficient and safe for use. I believe Khon Kaen University is the only one university that has invented this bullet-proof plate. I really appreciate the research work and thank you very much,” Pol. Lt. Col. Suthat Paiboon said.
Khon Kaen University by Asst. Prof. Panomkorn Khwakhong from Department of Chemistry Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Ajarn Sutha Loiduanchai have conducted the research on cocoon plates that receive impact from short gun bullets, which is successful. The research work was publicized widely and now they have developed the sheet that can receive bullets from bigger guns. The work has already registered as an intellectual property. The outstanding point of this plate when compared to a 9mm thick iron sheet used to protect against general bullets is that it is 2-3 times lighter in weight and it is also able to stop the bullet before the bullet ricochets. In general, if a plate is made of metal, the bullet impacting on it can ricochet and may hurt other organs or a person next to the wearer. The research team has invented many cocoon plates to receive impact from different sizes of bullets and have developed lighter and lighter plates so that users can select the type that is suitable for them and their work. The cocoon plate has an outstanding property to stop the bullet from ricocheting. When compared to the vest made from Kevlar, it was found that this cocoon plate is cheaper to produce and can also protect wearers against sharp objects such as a knife, which cannot go through the plate.
News: Udomchai Supannawong
Photos: Chaicharn Laada
