Infrared stealth property study of mesoporous carbon-aluminum doped zinc oxide coated cotton fabrics

Low-emitting cotton fabric with low infrared emissivity near to 0.795 at the wavebands of 8–14 µm was prepared using mesoporous carbon-aluminum doped zinc oxide (C-AZO) coatings. The effects of binders, the content of C-AZO composites, coating thickness and roughness of fabrics on the infrared emissivity were investigated. Results showed that the emissivity firstly decreased, and then gradually reached a stable and lowest value as the content of C-AZO composites and coating thickness increased. The lowest infrared emissivity of coated fabric was obtained when the content of C-AZO composites was around 40 wt% with coating thickness over 300 µm. Moreover, infrared transparent binders and a smooth surface were found to reduce the infrared emissivity. The coated fabric with infrared emissivity of 0.795 could be matched in the surroundings of withered grass or rock under the condition of no sunshine.