Abstract:

Objective The requirements for infrared camouflage in modern warfare are becoming increasingly complex and challenging. In order to provide effective camouflage in the visible and infrared spectral ranges, it is necessary to develop suitable infrared camouflage equipment, of which the most effective method is to develop infrared camouflage materials. Near-infrared camouflage textile materials are usually combined with visible light camouflage in the form of camou-flage fabrics.

Method In this research, acid dyes and cellulose nanowhisker liquid-phase stripped graphene were used to syn-ergistically top-dye nylon fabrics to achieve the stealth effect of the fabrics in the visible/near-infrared light bands, aiming to effectively reduces the risk of being detected by the reconnaissance system, and to significantly improve the covertness and survivability of military equipment.

Results A stable graphene aqueous dispersion (SDBS-CeNW-Graphene, abbreviated as SCG) was prepared by liquid-phase exfoliation of graphene with CeNW as the dispersant with the assistance of the small-molecule surfactant SDBS, which showed remarkable dispersion stability in aqueous solution, and there was no obvious precipitation within three months of standing. When the concentration of SDBS reached 0.5 mg/mL, the surface tension of SCG dispersion did not decrease significantly, and the concentration of SCG was close to the critical micelle concentration CMC, when the surface tension reached the minimum. The dispersion effect of SCG dispersions was best when the ratio of graphene to CeNW was 1∶2. Using SCG dispersion to synergize with acid dyes for dyeing nylon fabrics showed high K/S values in the visible light range, which proved the excellent dyeing effect; while in the near-infrared light range, the reflectivity decreased from 33% to 29%, successfully achieving the near-infrared light stealth function of nylon fabrics.

Conclusion In this study, the feasibility of near-infrared light stealth nylon fabrics prepared by liquid-phase exfoliation of graphene from cellulose nano whiskers was experimentally evaluated, and the SCG dispersion obtained by liquid-phase exfoliation of graphene from cellulose nanowhisker was used to synergise with acid-dyeing to dye nylon fabrics that can modulate the reflectivity, which is expected to be in line with the surrounding environment to achieve the light stealth function. The breathability of non-spectral fabrics is better than that of spectral fabrics, but the subsequent fabric materials need to be developed in the direction of ready-to-wear clothing, and their taking performance needs to be considered, and it is necessary to think about how to improve their breathability. Attempts could be made to optimise the preparation of cellulose nanowhisker for liquid phase exfoliation of graphene to obtain a higher purity and dispersion of the material. This will help to improve the uniformity and adhesion of the coating on the fabric, thus improving the stealth effect.

Key words: near-infrared stealth stealth, cellulose nanowhisker, graphene, acid dye, polyamide fabric