Pigmentation of a Camouflage Dye and Investigation of Its Colour and Reflectance Properties

Abstract

Natural foliage and terrain reflect light both in the visible (380-700

nm) and near infrared (700-900 nm) regions of the electromagnetic

spectrum. In this study, dyes consisting of several different pigment

combinations are proposed intended to meet the camouflage needs fitting

the reflectance properties of local natural green foliage in both visible

and near infrared regions. Camouflage pigment green 179, functionalized

with the appropriate infrared reflectance was mixed with varying

amounts of chromium oxide, iron oxide and carbozel violet pigments

and the spectral reflectance of surfaces treated with this alkide based dye

was measured in the 320-1500 nm interval. Chromaticity and observed

brightness (Y) values were determined using the CIELAB 1976 (L* a* b*)

colour definition systems. Field tests demonstrate that dyes thus obtained,

meet camouflage standards in both the visible and near infrared regions.