A continuation of previous publications (21/01 and 13/04) on the latest in Finnish bioeconomy.
(...) Camouflage material made from biodegradable algae foam and cellulose derived from wood or tree bark could make it harder to detect objects in the forest using visible and infrared light devices. Full-spectrum cameras are capable of capturing a wide range of light wavelengths, meaning it is no longer enough to hide objects only in the visible part of the spectrum. (...)
Finnish researchers have succeeded in transforming cellulose into porous, light- and heat-insulating foam that can also be coloured. Foam in camouflage shades can be used, for example, to successfully hide during short-term field operations. Soldiers, hikers, and hunters could use this foam to conceal tents, vehicles, or even tanks.
Camouflage is used to help people or objects blend into their surroundings. In both nature and clothing, the simplest method of camouflage is to use a pattern that resembles or is very similar to something in the immediate (or relevant) environment. Today, however, visual imitation of the surroundings is not enough. Modern multispectral technologies make it possible to detect targets in various ways, for example, by monitoring the heat radiation they emit.
In a study by Aalto University (Aalto University) and Häme University of Applied Sciences (Häme University of Applied Sciences, HAMK), cellulose, lignin, and green microalgae (to colour the foam in forest-appropriate shades) were used to create a lightweight and porous foam.
Foam for short-term camouflage purposes in a forest environment can be used in relatively more diverse ways than would be possible using fabric alone. There are many studies on cellulose foam, but the use of foam specifically for camouflage is a novelty. The corresponding production process is simple, and the foam also provides good heat insulation, which makes it difficult to detect the camouflaged object using, for example, infrared (thermal) detectors.
The study also highlights another important nuance – cellulose-based wet foam stabilized with lignin and microalgae is cost-effective and non-toxic to the environment. After use, this foam is easily compostable (degradable) in the environment. The study's results provide a good basis for the further technological development of this material for camouflage purposes.
Translation from English
Photos by Donal Boyd and those taken during the research by Laaksonen et al. (2022) have been used
https://acris.aalto.fi/ws/portalfiles/portal/80183722/Lightweight_lignocellulosic_foams_for_thermal_insulation.pdf
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2310394-foam-made-from-algae-and-tree-bark-acts-as-good-forest-camouflage/
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/sm/d1sm01719e