Scalable, Durable, and Transparent Multilayer Film with Configurable Infrared Patterns for Infrared and Visible Camouflage

To address the challenge of multispectral camouflage under harsh environments, we developed a scalable, durable multilayer film with a high visible transparency and configurable infrared patterns. The film comprises an adhesive thermoplastic polyurethane substrate, a bottom low-emissivity layer, and a top emissivity-configurable protective layer. The bottom AZO/Ag/AZO (47/10/56 nm) layer offers high visible transmittance for visible camouflage integration and low infrared emissivity for stealth. Infrared emissivity is tunable between 0.05 and 0.64 by adjusting the thickness of the top poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) layer. Infrared patterns were formed by spatially arranging PMMA layers with different emissivities. Outdoor experiments demonstrated superior infrared concealment, achieving a saliency score of 0.20 using the frequency-tuned algorithm, approximately 50% lower than the scores of conventional visible camouflage (0.45) and uniform low-emissivity films (0.41). Environmental testing confirmed the film’s durability, preserving spectral stability under ultraviolet, rainfall, and dust exposure, enhancing its suitability for outdoor applications. This film enables dual-spectrum camouflage by combining high visible transmittance for visual concealment with emissivity modulation for infrared stealth.

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Publication Details

Journal
ACS Applied Polymer Materials
Published
2025-10-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsapm.5c02289
Primary Topic
Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Scalable, Durable, and Transparent Multilayer Film with Configurable Infrared Patterns for Infrared and Visible Camouflage

Linshuang Long, Hong Ye, Yufei Gao, Qing Ni et al.
ACS Applied Polymer Materials
Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies
article

Scalable, Durable, and Transparent Multilayer Film with Configurable Infrared Patterns for Infrared and Visible Camouflage

Linshuang Long, Hong Ye, Yufei Gao, Qing Ni, Yuchi Liu
article en

Abstract

To address the challenge of multispectral camouflage under harsh environments, we developed a scalable, durable multilayer film with a high visible transparency and configurable infrared patterns. The film comprises an adhesive thermoplastic polyurethane substrate, a bottom low-emissivity layer, and a top emissivity-configurable protective layer. The bottom AZO/Ag/AZO (47/10/56 nm) layer offers high visible transmittance for visible camouflage integration and low infrared emissivity for stealth. Infrared emissivity is tunable between 0.05 and 0.64 by adjusting the thickness of the top poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) layer. Infrared patterns were formed by spatially arranging PMMA layers with different emissivities. Outdoor experiments demonstrated superior infrared concealment, achieving a saliency score of 0.20 using the frequency-tuned algorithm, approximately 50% lower than the scores of conventional visible camouflage (0.45) and uniform low-emissivity films (0.41). Environmental testing confirmed the film’s durability, preserving spectral stability under ultraviolet, rainfall, and dust exposure, enhancing its suitability for outdoor applications. This film enables dual-spectrum camouflage by combining high visible transmittance for visual concealment with emissivity modulation for infrared stealth.

ACS Applied Polymer MaterialsVol. 7(21)
University of Science and Technology of China (CN), University Teaching Hospital (ZM)
Openalex Percentile: Top 69%
Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies
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