Tailored composition of low emissivity top layer for lightweight visible light-infrared-radar multiband compatible stealth coating

Here, we proposed a strategy of reducing the areal density and thickness of compatible stealth coatings by introducing silicone resin-based infrared stealth (IRS) coatings as the absorption peak modulation layer of a dual-layer absorber. The joint infrared-visual camouflage performance was achieved by employing Al powder and modified Cr₂O₃ (M-Cr₂O₃) hybrid filler in IRS coating. When the mass ratio of the above two pigments is 2:1, the coating exhibits a low emissivity value of 0.525 with green grass color. The radar wave-transmitting property and dielectric property of the infrared coating can be regulated by the mass ratio of Al powder to M-Cr₂O₃. By coating the Al/M-Cr₂O₃-filled layer on FeSiAl-based microwave absorption (MA) layer, enhanced MA performance was achieved due to the synergistic effect between the two layers. Outstandingly, introducing the Al/M-Cr₂O₃-filled IRS coating suppressed the thermal radiation of the double-layered structure by 41% and reduced the total thickness and areal density by 16% and 18.6%, respectively. The properties promote the service reliability and practicability of compatible stealth coatings on equipment. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]