Multi-Spectral, Selectively Reflective Construct
AssigneeW. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
InventorsWilliam D. Kelsey, Gregory D. Culler, Emmanuel Gustav Van-Dyck, John Holcombe, Edward C. Gunzel
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Abstract
A selectively reflective construct, and a method for making the construct, are described. In one embodiment reflectance, transmission and absorption properties may be controlled in multiple electromagnetic bands. A construct is described comprising a) a thermally transparent, visually opaque substrate comprising a polymeric material and a colorant, and b) a thermally reflective layer comprising a low emissivity component which is optionally transparent to radar signal.
Claims42
A construct comprising:
- a front surface and a back surface;
- a thermally transparent, visually opaque substrate comprising a first microporous polymeric layer and a colorant, having a first surface proximate the front surface of the construct, and a second surface;
- and
- a thermally reflective layer comprising a low emissivity component adjacent the second surface of the thermally transparent, visually opaque substrate, the thermally reflective layer proximate the back surface of the construct,
- wherein the construct has
- i) an average reflection of <70% in the wavelength range of 400 nm-600 nm, and
- ii) an average reflection of >25% in the wavelength range of 9 μm-12 μm;
- and
- iii) an average radar transmission>90% in the frequency range of 1 GHz to about 5 GHz.
A method of providing visual and thermal camouflage to a radar camouflaged vehicle comprising
- a. forming a construct comprising
- a front surface and a back surface;
- a thermally transparent, visually opaque substrate adjacent the front surface;
- and
- a thermally reflective layer comprising a low emissivity component adjacent the thermally transparent, visually opaque substrate
- wherein the construct has
- i) an average reflection of <70% in the wavelength range of 400 nm-600 nm;
- ii) an average reflection of >25% in the wavelength range of 9 μm-12 μm;
- and
- iii) an average radar transmission>90% throughout the frequency range of about 1 GHz to about 20 GHz;
- and
- b. placing the construct between a detector and a radar camouflaged vehicle, wherein the front surface of the construct is positioned toward the detector.
A method for making a radar transparent, thermally and visually camouflaging construct, comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a first substrate comprising a thermally transparent first microporous polymeric material having a first surface and a second surface;
- b. providing a colorant;
- c. applying the colorant to at least the first surface of the first substrate to form a thermally transparent, visually opaque layer;
- d. providing a second substrate comprising a low emissivity component;
- e. orienting the low emissivity component of the second substrate towards the second surface of the first substrate;
- f. adhering the first and second substrates to form a construct having an average reflection of <70% in the wavelength range of 400 nm-600 nm, an average reflection of >25% in the wavelength range of and 9 μm-12 μm, and a radar transmission greater than 90% in the frequency range from 1 GHz to about 20 GHz.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.