Canadian military researchers eye new materials that could lead to camouflage and self-repairing clothing
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
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics
