Nanocellulose-based films for camouflage applications

Jennifer Silander; Peter Rejmstad; Tomas Hallberg; Christina Åkerlind

doi:10.1117/12.2684079

23 October 2023 Nanocellulose-based films for camouflage applications

Jennifer Silander, Peter Rejmstad, Tomas Hallberg, Christina Åkerlind

Proceedings Volume 12736, Target and Background Signatures IX; 1273608 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2684079
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2023, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

Achieving low signature is much desired in forest and foliage dominated backgrounds. Cellulose nanofibres (CNF) or nanocellulose, is a non-toxic biopolymer that is biodegradable and renewable. Other physical and optical properties such as thermal stability, high mechanical strength and high infrared (IR) emissivity gives it potential to replace hazardous components for camouflage applications, where a more environmentally friendly alternative would be preferred. CNF based films were produced with optical properties similar to leaves in terms of colour. The investigated films were made with carboxymethylated CNF as a matrix, and by adding cenospheres (hollow spheres of alumino-silicate), chlorophyll as a green dye and other additives the films optical and physical properties could be modified to mimic a leaf. The physical structure had a rough paper-like texture and the optical properties could be altered through changing the amount of cellulose, cenospheres and other additives. Initial analysis using UV-VIS-NIR and IR spectroscopy show similar optical properties to a fresh maple leaf. In the UV-VIS region of 0.25 – 0.8 μm a clear chlorophyll peak and a red edge is visible. The CNF film give a high reflectance in the SWIR region 1 – 2.5 μm. A peak of higher reflectance is observed in the IR region 3 – 6 μm, while the reflectance decreases for longer wavelengths. However, silver nanowires could increase the reflectance at longer IR wavelengths. This early work in exploring the use of nanocellulose based films for camouflage applications gives a glimpse of what capabilities CNF might bring in the future.

Conference Presentation

(2023) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

Jennifer Silander, Peter Rejmstad, Tomas Hallberg, and Christina Åkerlind "Nanocellulose-based films for camouflage applications", Proc. SPIE 12736, Target and Background Signatures IX, 1273608 (23 October 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2684079

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available