Spectrum Control for Marine Uniform Textiles Using Embedded Particle-Free Metal Inks

Detection, recognition, and identification are critical components of naval missions. Imaging sensors have evolved to detect a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, from visible light (VIS) to long-wave infrared (LWIR). Controlling these critical aspects is key to improving the effectiveness and safety of Marine operations. Integrating this capability into uniforms, portable devices, or other wearable platforms offers benefits such as minimal visibility and on-demand capabilities. Current state of the art (SOA) developments have enabled wearable textiles capable of mitigating detection within the VIS to short wave infrared (SWIR) ranges. However, these innovative textiles have limited durability due to their specific storage and laundering requirements and tend to degrade over time. In addition, users have cited problems with the comfort and practicality of these wearables in harsh conditions, which could impede their missions. Additionally, the challenge of avoiding detection in the mid wave infrared (MWIR) to long wave infrared (LWIR) ranges has not been resolved with current SOA technologies. Electroninks Incorporated (EI) has developed a facile process to fabricate conductive textiles or “e-textiles”. Utilizing EI’s extensive expertise in both formulation and processing of metal complex inks (ranging from copper to silver), EI is able to infuse the desired textile with the ink and fabricate a continuous, intercalating silver network within the textile. The application of reactive ink to fibers ensures an even dispersion of silver throughout the material.  This even distribution may ensure consistent IR blocking properties across the entire fabric, unlike irregularities in reflectivity and emissivity seen in fabrics with woven metallic threads or external metallic coatings.