Preparation and hydrophobic properties of infrared adaptive camouflage coatings based on the vegetation background

Till now, optical-infrared sensors with high stability and resolution have commonly used for the round-the-clock monitoring. Traditional infrared stealth coatings fail to achieve seamless integration and continuous operation throughout all times of day. This study tailored to typical jungle environments, utilizes phase change microcapsules with thermal flux to the background, to develop an all-day adaptive infrared camouflage coating. This coating has a similar heat flux coefficient material corresponding to the background and can autonomously respond to changing infrared radiation caused by the angle and intensity of light. Through the latent heat absorption and release mechanism from the phase change microcapsule, this work realizes a highly compatible performance with the background in all-weather. Furthermore, to enhance outdoor applicability, a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) hydrophobic layer was added to improve the coating with a contact angle of 141.25 degrees while maintaining excellent infrared adaptability and mechanical properties. This research contributes significantly to the field of adaptive infrared stealth, offering extensive applications in various scenarios. [Display omitted] •This study used phase change microcapsules and matching materials to create adaptive infrared camouflage coating.•Camouflage coating could autonomously adjust infrared thermal radiation to achieve all-weather adaptation.•PVDF layer coating achieved a 141.25 degree contact angle with superior infrared adaptability and mechanical properties.