Fabrication of Multifunctional Tents Using Canvas Fabric

ACS Omega. 2024 Apr 11;9(16):17706-17725. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09249. eCollection 2024 Apr 23.

Abstract

Herein, this study was compiled to investigate a suitable solution for the fabrication and development of the multifunctional defense tent from previously reported research. The military always needs to protect their soldiers and equipment from detection. The advancement of infrared detection technology emphasizes the significance of infrared camouflage materials, reducing thermal emissions for various applications. Objects emit infrared radiation detectable by devices, making military targets easily identifiable. Infrared camouflage mitigates detection by lowering an object's infrared radiation, achieved by methods such as reducing surface temperature, which is crucial in designing military tents with infrared (IR) camouflage, considering water repellency and antibacterial features. Water repellency, as well as antimicrobial properties, in army tents is also important as they have to survive in different situations. All these problems should be addressed with the required properties; therefore, the authors try to introduce a new method from which multifunctional tents can be produced through economical, multifunctional, and sustainable materials that have IR protection, water repellency, ultraviolet (UV) protection, air filtration and permeability, and antimicrobial properties. There is still no tent that performs multiple functions at a time, even those functions that do not correlate with each other such as water repellency, IR protection, antimicrobial, and air permeability. So, a multifunctional tent could be the solution to all these problems having all the properties discussed above. In this study based on the literature review, authors concluded a method for the required tent for canvas fabric coated with zinc sulfide (ZnS), graphene oxide (GO), and zinc oxide (ZnO), or these materials should be incorporated in fiber formation because fiber composition has more impact. These multifunctional tents will be very beneficial due to their multifunctions like weather resistance, durability, and long life. These would help the army in their missions by concealing their soldiers and equipment from detection by cameras and providing filtered air inside the tent in case of gases or explosions. The proposed method will help to fulfill the stated and implied needs of customers.

Publication types

  • Review