Bilayer Smart and Multifunctional Camouflage Textiles Integrating Adaptive Visible Stealth, Infrared Concealment, and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Modern military operations demand advanced materials capable of adaptive multispectral camouflage and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding to ensure survivability in dynamic environments. Herein, we present a bilayer smart and multifunctional camouflage textile (BSCT) that integrates thermochromic cellulose aerogel fibers (TC-CAFs) with a carbon fiber felt to achieve adaptive visible and infrared camouflage. The TC-CAFs incorporate thermochromic microcapsules and iron(III) oxide nanoparticles, enabling rapid color transitions (6–12 s) above 35 °C for dynamic visible camouflage, while their nanoporous structure ensures low thermal conductivity (0.0327 W/m·K), providing effective infrared stealth. With a tensile strength of 7.09 MPa at a porosity exceeding 90%, the TC-CAFs maintain structural integrity for weaving into flexible fabrics. The carbon fiber layer functions as a Joule heater for on-demand thermochromic activation under low voltages of <6 V and provides exceptional EMI shielding effectiveness (>48 dB in 8.2–18.0 GHz), attenuating 99.998% of incident waves. By synergizing dynamic visible camouflage, thermal infrared stealth, and EMI shielding within a flexible, breathable textile, this work offers a transformative solution for next-generation protective gear in modern warfare scenarios.