Spectral-Selective and Adjustable Patterned Polydimethylsiloxane/MXene/Nanoporous Polytetrafluoroethylene Metafabric for Dynamic Infrared Camouflage and Thermal Regulation

Most low infrared emissivity coatings for anti-infrared reconnaissance are merely suitable for targets warmer than their surroundings, and their flexibility and wearability are unsatisfactory for dynamic stealth applications. Herein, a spectral-selective and adjustable patterned polydimethylsiloxane/MXene/nanoporous polytetrafluoroethylene metafabric with an asymmetric structure is designed, which achieves spectral selectivity of reflection/emission in mid-infrared wavebands and synchronous reflection/absorption of solar light, integrating “shielded infrared stealth” and “compensatory thermal camouflage” in temperature-change scenarios. By synergizing the low infrared emissivity of MXene and the effective heat-transfer suppression of the patterned polydimethylsiloxane, the metafabric obtains an infrared emissivity of as low as ≈28% and minimizes the radiative temperature difference between a target of 36 °C and its low-temperature surroundings even to 2.5 °C. Conversely, the metafabric adaptively unitizes its surface infrared signature with its high-temperature background via the thermal energy compensation supplied by the solar-thermal/electrothermal conversion of MXene and the powerful radiation emission of the outer polydimethylsiloxane. Besides, the metafabric creates a comfortable skin-interface microclimate by the high solar-light reflection of the nanoporous polytetrafluoroethylene and exhibits satisfactory electromagnetic interference shielding performances, mechanical flexibility, self-cleaning, and antioxidation. This work provides a new strategy for designing multifunctional thermal camouflage materials for counter-reconnaissance in changeable surroundings.