Bio-inspired flexible composite multilayer material: Cross-scale topological assembly for infrared-radar compatible detection suppression

The increasing demand for multi-spectral compatibility in complex electromagnetic environments has highlighted the critical challenge of reconciling infrared detection suppression with broadband microwave absorption. Inspired by the multilevel gradient structure of bamboo and the dynamic nanocrystal spacing modulation in chameleon skin, a flexible composite multilayer material is fabricated through a cross-scale topological assembly method. By constructing a functional coupling architecture comprising an infrared low-emissivity pattern layer, a broadband impedance matching layer, and a resistive frequency selective surface layer, effective energy suppression across both the infrared and radar spectra is achieved. The optimized structure demonstrates a reflection loss below −10 dB across a broad frequency range from 4.06 to 20.68 GHz, while maintaining an average infrared emissivity below 0.21 in the 8–14 μm wavelength range. Moreover, this structure exhibits high mechanical strength, a simple fabrication process, and stable performance, making it a promising candidate for next-generation multi-spectral detection applications.