New pigment opens unimaginable possibilities
A brand new type of pigment is the result of the Swedish Armed Forces' SEK 100-million nanomaterials investment. The pigment serves as a highly effective form of camouflage. It is also able to deflect infrared solar rays, which means it has the potential to dramatically reduce heating, for example in buildings and motor vehicles. Experts at the Institute for Surface Chemistry (YKI) have developed the technology in cooperation with commercial enterprises and a university.Since 2003, YKI has participated in a research program financed by the Swedish Armed Forces to develop multispectral camouflage protection. The technology, Multispectral Camouflage Coatings, makes it extremely difficult to detect a combat vehicle covered with a fabric containing such pigment. The technology is even effective when radar or infrared reconnaissance equipment is used. YKI has developed the technology in collaboration with two companies within SAAB (Aerospace and Barracuda) along with Uppsala University.
– Our experts have developed a dual-function pigment technology. It is possible to get a desired color visually, such as green, which provides the camouflaging ability. The pigment also provides good reflectance of thermal radiation in the close infrared wavelength range, says Peter Alberius, President of YKI.
In addition to military applications, the pigment also has a number of potential civilian applications. YKI has collaborated with international and Swedish industry to develop and evaluate several applications. Those that are closest to commercialization can be found in the fields of materials protection (UV protection of plastics such as PVC), encapsulation of optical brighteners in paper, security inks, and heat-reflective pigment for application to houses in warm environments or civilian planes.
– In a first phase, however, we are proceeding with negotiations with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration and SAAB with respect to commercialization of the new camouflage technology, says Peter Alberius.
More Information
For more information, contact Peter Alberius, President, YKI. Tel +46 (0)10 516 60 21,
+46 (0)76-864 00 21, peter.alberius@yki.se
YKI is a world-leading industrial research institute with a focus on innovation transfer in applied surface chemistry. YKI works with a variety of industries including personal care, pharmaceutical, food, packaging and cleantech. YKI is part of Sweden's leading research institute SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden.