abstract boron nitride nanotubes boron nitride nanoparticles carbon nanotubes graphites or combinations are incorporated into matrices of polymer ceramic or metals fibers yarns and woven or nonwoven mats of bnnts are used as toughening layers in penetration resistant materials to maximize energy absorption and or high hardness layers to rebound or deform penetrators they can be also used as reinforcing inclusions combining with other polymer matrices to create composite layers like typical reinforcing fibers such as kevlar u00ae spectra u00ae ceramics and metals enhanced wear resistance and usage time are achieved by adding boron nitride nanomaterials increasing hardness and toughness such materials can be used in high temperature environments since the oxidation temperature of bnnts exceeds 800 u00b0 c in air boron nitride based composites are useful as strong structural materials for anti micrometeorite layers for spacecraft and space suits ultra strong tethers protective gear vehicles helmets shields and safety suits helmets for industry application_number US 201113136216 A description the following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention this description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention the embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are more fully explained with reference to the non limiting embodiments and examples that are described and or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and set forth in the following description it should be noted that the features illustrated.