Camouflage Net with Enhanced Thermal Disruption
Applicant: SEYNTEX N.V.
Inventors: Cem BAGIRAN [BE]; Filip GHEKIERE [BE]
Patent No.: WO2025202498A1
Publication Date: 2025-10-02
Field of Invention
The invention concerns camouflage technology, particularly the design and manufacture of camouflage nets offering improved concealment in the thermal spectrum. While conventional 2D camouflage nets provide good concealment in visible, near-infrared (NIR), and shortwave infrared (SWIR) regions, they often perform poorly against thermal detection. This innovation focuses on enhancing the thermal disruption performance of 2D nets while maintaining lightweight and practical field use.
Problem
Camouflage nets are essential for concealing soldiers, vehicles, and equipment from visual and infrared detection. Traditional 3D nets achieve effective thermal disruption through their irregular leafy structures, which promote varied heat signatures via air circulation and shading effects.
In contrast, 2D nets—with smaller mesh openings and flatter surfaces—tend to produce uniform thermal images when observed by thermal cameras (3–5 μm or 8–12 μm wavelength), making them easier to detect.
Furthermore, existing materials may suffer from high water absorption, excessive gloss, or insufficient durability.
Therefore, an improved 2D camouflage net is needed to enhance thermal concealment, reduce reflectivity, and maintain long-term performance.
Solution
The invention presents a 2D camouflage net coated with a thickening chemical containing ethoxylated alcohol and glycerol, or their reaction products. This coating forms an irregular, bloated surface texture over a warp-knitted base fabric, creating variable thickness zones that disrupt uniform thermal signatures.
The process involves coating and dyeing the fabric in camouflage patterns using rotary screens, where different chemical concentrations produce diverse surface thicknesses. These variations generate subtle temperature differences across the net, effectively breaking up thermal outlines.
The coating also lowers water absorbency and surface gloss, resulting in better environmental performance and durability under various weather conditions. The invention thus enables 2D nets to approach the thermal performance of 3D systems while retaining flexibility and ease of deployment.
Advantages
- Enhanced thermal concealment for 2D nets through irregular surface structures
- Reduced water absorption and lower gloss, improving visual and infrared blending
- Durable and lightweight, suitable for multiple terrains and climates
- Compatible with existing camouflage printing and coating processes
Independent Claims
- Camouflage net coated with a thickening chemical comprising ethoxylated alcohol, glycerol, and their reaction products, forming a variable-thickness surface that disrupts thermal detection.
- Production method involving the coating of a warp-knitted base fabric with the thickening chemical in a camouflage pattern and subsequent dyeing to produce both visible and thermal camouflage effects.
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