SBIR-STTR Award

Our team proposes to develop an advanced surface barrier protection peel and stick wallpaper (i.e., appliqu) system that will be designed to include three dimensional camouflage patterns sublimed directly into the applique coating. The camouflage aspect of the applique will be designed with the objective of achieving desired signature reduction when incorporated onto composite structures important to the U.S. Air Force. Further, this appliqu system will provide a fast, lightweight, reliable, and easy way to interchange selected and specific patterns comprised of defined mil colors on composite structures in the field with internally built-in capabilities for providing exceptional protection from severe environmental exposures including corrosion, chem/bio, and aging due to weathering

The objective of this proposal is to design a prototype system that will randomly distribute camouflage pigment in a non-repeating pattern over composite structures that will comply with Air Force specifications. Currently, the U. S. Air Force (USAF) uses metal shelters that have a unique visual and radar signature. In order to maintain this unique targeting signature for existing metal shelters, each must be hand painted in a random manner that is not repeated for any other shelter. The Air Force is currently investigating composite technologies to replace the existing design and materials for tactical shelters. The composite materials can be impregnated with pigment, but the issue of the random theater camouflage patterns must be addressed. Our team proposes to replace conventional paint design with easy to install and reconfigurable paint replacement applique technology. The applique technology proposed here will offer a unique 3-D camouflage design that wil couple with current composite shelter technology to provide a superior camouflage system than that via conventional composite color impregnation or paint technologies.

Keywords:
Applique, Camouflage, Fluoropolymer, Composite Shelters, Emi Shielding