Synthesis and Processing of High Performance Multi-spectral Obscurants

The overall objective of this program is to enable low-cost production of high performance visible, IR and bispectral obscurants for improved ground force stealth and protection across the Armed Forces. In order to realize this goal, NanoSonic and Virginia Tech will build on promising Phase I results to investigate synthetic and processing approaches, optimize materials synthesis and processing, and scale-up the best performing candidates to provide the Army ECBC with sufficient quantities for full characterization, analysis and qualification. NanoSonic will demonstrate technologies that enhance obscurant performance using currently implemented materials, as well as investigate viable alternative approaches for new obscurant production. Importantly, the proposed effort supports development of bispectral obscurants that will provide integrated multifunctional performance covering a broad range of electromagnetic requirements. Cost and scalability are critical factors and will be considered to ensure practicality for platform integration.