China Creates Chameleon-like Camouflage Tech With ‘Invisibility’ Power For Military Use

Nature’s masters of disguise, like the chameleon and octopus, have long inspired human innovation in camouflage. Now, Chinese researchers have taken a major leap forward with the development of a groundbreaking material called Self-Adaptive Photochromism (SAP).

Developed by a team led by Wang Dongsheng from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, SAP materials change color in response to their environment, effectively rendering an individual “invisible” when used in clothing. The researchers stated in their paper, “We report active camouflage as an intrinsic function of materials by proposing self-adaptive photochromism (SAP).”

The material’s secret lies in its molecular structure, which rearranges itself when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. This rearrangement triggers a color shift, allowing the material to adapt seamlessly to its surroundings. The innovation uses a combination of donor-acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) and organic dyes, enabling it to switch from its default black state to match the colors of its environment when exposed to transmitted or reflected light.

Man-made active camouflage systems have traditionally relied on electronic components, making them complex, costly, and less practical. The SAP material overcomes these limitations with a simpler and more cost-effective design. It is also highly durable, functioning accurately in temperature ranges from -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F).

The material’s adaptability was demonstrated through two experiments. In one, a transparent container of SAP solution was placed in colored acrylic boxes, where it matched the box’s colors—red, green, yellow, and black. In the second experiment, the SAP solution blended seamlessly with colored plant clusters, adapting to its surroundings within 30 to 80 seconds.

Beyond liquids, researchers have successfully combined SAP materials with polycaprolactone (PCL) to create flexible coatings and films. These coatings can be applied to various surfaces, making solid objects capable of adaptive camouflage.

According to the study, “SAP films and coatings were fabricated by incorporating polycaprolactone and applied to a wide variety of surfaces.”

While the technology shows immense promise, it currently has some limitations. The material cannot yet replicate the full spectrum of visible colors, particularly purple and blue. However, the researchers are optimistic about future developments. “By adding more photochromic molecules to the material or adjusting its composition, we aim to achieve finer distinctions in color and faster-changing speed,” Wang Dongsheng told SCMP.

The versatility of SAP materials opens up applications far beyond military use. From smart architectural coatings to fashion innovations, this color-adaptive material could redefine the boundaries of design and technology.

The development was published in  Science Advances.