Deployable Passive EMS & EW Shielding using bulk manufacturing processes

Due to the increased use of electronic warfare (EW) and advancements in modern weapons, the ability to camouflage assets on the battlefield has never been so critical. Currently, the U.S. Army has advanced visual camouflage methods to aid this requirement, but these are only effective in a limited region of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). As techniques are developed to utilize wider EM frequency ranges to observe and locate key assets, progress must also be made regarding approaches to block or contain electromagnetic energy. Ā This project will further the development, manufacture and testing of MXene impregnated materials that can be used to manipulate Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) for unique passive shielding of modified textiles to conceal important assets from adversary EMS detection, protect important assets from adversary EMS effects, and contain EMS emissions on targets in testing, training, and battlefield OEs.Ā Ā During the Phase II, these materials were shown, in multiple configurations, to interact with EM waves and provide for attenuation of EM emission across a wide frequency range from sub-500Mhz through 40 GHz.Ā DVTI and the Army have tested the product in the field and in the lab with efficacy.Ā The productÆs ability to attenuate signals has been clearly demonstrated, supporting previously published peer-reviewed academic research journal findings. By manipulating the concentrations, loading, and application process, DVTIÆs lightweight MXene-impregnated fabric has effectively completely blocked signals in key frequency ranges during the most recent Vanguard, MDBN and Cyclone Giant field exercises.Ā These demonstrations showed significant signal disruption in (1) radar data being received and transmitted; (2) communications between the sensor compound and more distant transmitting stations; (3) an EW manpack unitÆs transmission and the strength of the signal being monitored at a nearby receiver; and (4) the creation of directional transmission window, for an otherwise omnidirectional transmission device using a tent-liner concept while in the hands of Soldiers in the field.Ā Ā The high level of EM interaction is believed to be due to this materialÆs high purity crystallinity, coating thickness, and surface chemistry which imparts water solubility.Ā These two-dimensional Metal Carbides have many metal (n=13) combinations and are robust, of high temperature resistance, chemically stable, and wear-resistant while exhibiting excellent electrical conductivity and EMS shielding.Ā This new class of materials utilizes low-cost precursors, common large scale chemical processing, and can be readily applied to both synthetic and natural textiles making them into lightweight and formable passive EMS shields.Ā This sequential will advance the process of manufacturing from lab-scale, through Beta scale and to Pilot scale. Ā