Canadian military researchers eye new materials that could lead to camouflage and self-repairing clothing

Feb. 9, 2021
Carleton University, Polytechnique Montreal, the University of Manitoba, the University of British Columbia and Université de Sherbrooke lead the work.

OTTAWA – From chameleon-inspired camouflage to clothing that mends itself when damaged, the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) is looking to outfit Canadian troops with next-wave gear that provides better protection — and less detection — on the battlefield. CBC news reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

9 Feb. 2020 -- Adaptable camouflage and self-repairing clothing are just two technologies in a long list of cutting-edge scientific advancements that DND is spending $9 million over three years to research, spearheaded by five Canadian universities.

Each university is researching what's known as advanced materials, which are engineered to perform a variety of specific functions. Some of those materials can be fashioned into clothing that repairs itself.

As an example, McLaughlin said a capsule could be embedded in a self-repairing shirt or armored vest that, when the garment or gear is damaged, bursts and releases a liquid or foam that solidifies and seals the hole. Research is also being done on new materials that may one day replace Kevlar and ceramics as the chief components of body armour.

Related: Army researchers eye nanomachine-based 'smart' paints for combat vehicles

Related: Army looking for camouflage to shield moving military vehicles from enemy electro-optical sensors and radar

Related: Army scientists ask industry for camouflage fabrics that hide soldiers from electro-optical sensors

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

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