Tunable spectral properties of PVB/WS ₂ impregnated fabrics in VIS, IR and RF part of the EMS

The application of nanomodified polymer impregnation on knitted polyester fabrics was studied to improve camouflage characteristics in VIS, IR, and RF domains to enhance multispectral camouflage protection. Nanoparticles of tungsten disulfide (WS ₂ ) were dispersed in an ethanol solution of poly (vinyl butyral) (PVB) and applied as a thin impregnation on polyester fabrics already dyed in camouflage shades. A reference sample impregnated only with PVB, without WS ₂ , was also prepared in the same way. Parallel to the impregnated fabrics, a neat knitted polyester textile sample was submitted to all the examination methods. Diffuse reflection, specular gloss, and color coordinates were measured for all the samples. Moreover, the samples were observed using IR thermography in medium and long-wavelength infrared parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. The best suppression (≥20%) in the IR range of EMS was achieved for the dark green shade sample by applying PVB alone and/or adding PVB/ WS ₂ . RF domain measurement analysis of how impregnated fabrics influence effective Radar Cross Section (RCS), K band radar was used, with the measurements done in terrain conditions. The decrease of the mean RCS value between 11% and 41% was achieved. The obtained results indicate that the addition of WS ₂ has a positive effect on the observed characteristics and that there is a possibility of using this newly impregnated knitwear in the wider area of the EMS as a camouflage material.