Progresses in Infrared Stealth Composites

Infrared stealth or infrared camouflage is defined as method of concealing any object from detection by suppressing the infrared rays emitted from the object. There are several methods to achieve this purpose such as use of low emitting dyes, pigments and paints, use of phase change materials, thermal insulation materials, use of materials absorbing infrared radiations and infrared camouflage composites. This paper critically reviews the research progress in the area of infrared camouflage composites, fabrication methods and stealth property of these composites. This paper also brings out the range of the wavelengths which the composites are able to suppress and brings out potential of the composites as infrared stealth materials. These composites have application in areas other than infrared stealth such as thermal management. The potential of these composites as stealth materials is not limited to the reported wavelengths. Therefore, the emissivity of these composites needs to be tuned which opens the window for further research.