Chameleon-inspired tunable multi-layered infrared-modulating system via stretchable liquid metal microdroplets in elastomer film

Yingyue Zhang, Hanrui Zhu, Shun An, Wenkui Xing, Benwei Fu, Peng Tao, Wen Shang, Jianbo Wu, Michael D. Dickey (), Chengyi Song () and Tao Deng ()
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Yingyue Zhang: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Hanrui Zhu: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shun An: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Wenkui Xing: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Benwei Fu: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Peng Tao: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Wen Shang: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Jianbo Wu: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Michael D. Dickey: North Carolina State University
Chengyi Song: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Tao Deng: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract This report presents liquid metal-based infrared-modulating materials and systems with multiple modes to regulate the infrared reflection. Inspired by the brightness adjustment in chameleon skin, shape-morphing liquid metal droplets in silicone elastomer (Ecoflex) matrix are used to resemble the dispersed “melanophores”. In the system, Ecoflex acts as hormone to drive the deformation of liquid metal droplets. Both total and specular reflectance-based infrared camouflage are achieved. Typically, the total and specular reflectances show change of ~44.8% and 61.2%, respectively, which are among the highest values reported for infrared camouflage. Programmable infrared encoding/decoding is explored by adjusting the concentration of liquid metal and applying areal strains. By introducing alloys with different melting points, temperature-dependent infrared painting/writing can be achieved. Furthermore, the multi-layered structure of infrared-modulating system is designed, where the liquid metal-based infrared modulating materials are integrated with an evaporated metallic film for enhanced performance of such system.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49849-y

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