Nanoparticle infused polymer for firearm components subjected to high wear

Abstract

A wear resistant component for a firearm comprises a body formed of polymer infused with nanoparticles. The nanoparticles impart high hardness to the otherwise soft polymer which increases abrasion resistance to a level that at least approaches and has similar high wear characteristics as some all metal components but at a fraction of the weight and without the need for metal inserts or overlays on a polymer base. The nanoparticle may be silicon dioxide in preferred embodiments which covalently bonds to the polymer chain becoming an integrated part thereof. Various forms or shapes of nanoparticles may be used. The nanoparticles may be dispersed substantially uniformly throughout the entire component body or may be limited in extent to only the wear region and adjoining wear surface of the component. The nanoparticles may be used for injection molded or 3D printed components or in composite laminated stack structure with reinforcement fibers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.