Contents

Cover

Preface

Foreword

Chapter 1: Nanotechnology’s Entry into the Defense Arena

1.1 Introduction
1.2 What Is Nanotechnology
1.3 Nanotechnology Offers Innovative Opportunities for Defense
1.4 Nanotechnology for Soldiers
1.5 Increased Surveillance for Better Protection and Security
1.6 Smaller, More Effective and Cheaper Nanotechnology-Based Weapons
1.7 Nanotechnology in Aeronautics for Lighter and Faster Aircraft
1.8 Nanotechnology for Stealth Warships and Submarines for Ocean Exploration
1.9 Nanotechnology for Vehicles
1.10 Nanotechnology for Satellites
1.11 Nanomaterials for Portable Energy/Power
1.12 Nanosensors
1.13 Nanotechnology for Logistics
1.14 Conclusions
References

Chapter 2: Stealth, Counter Stealth and Nanotechnology

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Radar – An Incentive for Developing Stealth
2.3 What Is Stealth and Why Was It Developed?
2.4 Considerations and Efforts for Designing Stealth Aircraft
2.5 Radar Cross Section (RCS)
2.6 Shaping of Stealth or Improved Aerodynamics by Reducing RCS
2.7 Reducing the IR Signature
2.8 Muffling Aircraft Noise
2.9 What Is Counter Stealth and Why Is It Used?
2.10 Nanotechnology for Improved Stealth Performance
2.11 Conclusions
References

Chapter 3: Nanocomputers in Aid of Defense

3.1 Introduction
3.2 History of Nanocomputers
3.3 The Nanocomputers
3.4 Applications of Nanocomputers in the Military
3.5 More Powerful Computers to Come
3.6 Summary
References

Chapter 4: Nanotechnology-Aided Armor

4.1 Historical Background of Armor
4.2 Nanomaterial-Aided Armor
4.3 Summary
References

Chapter 5: Nanotechnology and Weapons

5.1 Introduction
5.2 Considerations for Developing Nano High Energy Materials (HEMs) for Weapons
5.3 Requirements for Nanoparticles Used in Nanoweapons
5.4 Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Weapons
5.5 Characterization of Nanomaterials Used in Weapons
5.6 Nanomaterials for Use in Nanoweapons and Ammunition
5.7 Nanoweapons
5.8 Defensive Measures to Combat Nanoweapons
5.9 Risks Posed by Nanoweapons
5.10 Need for Preventive Anti-Nanoweapon and Anti-Ecophagic Policies
5.11 Summary
References

Chapter 6: Nanotechnology to Aid Biological and Chemical Warfare Defense

6.1 Introduction
6.2 What Is Biological Warfare?
6.3 Chemical Warfare
6.4 How Nanotechnology Can Protect from Biological and Chemical Warfare
6.5 Disadvantages of Nanotechnology
6.6 Summary
References

Chapter 7: Smart Nanofabrics for Defense

7.1 Introduction
7.2 A Brief History of Smart Skin Material
7.3 Types of Smart Textiles
7.4 Fabrication of Smart Textiles
7.5 Nanoparticle Coated Textiles
7.6 Applications of Nanoparticle Coated Smart Textiles
7.7 Sensors for Smart Textiles
7.8 Actuators for Smart Textile
7.9 Summary
References

Chapter 8: Nanomaterial for Adaptive Camouflage and Structure

8.1 Introduction
8.2 Camouflage
8.3 Camouflage for the Military
8.4 Types of Camouflage
8.5 Active or Adaptive Camouflage
8.6 Nanomaterials for Advanced Camouflaging
8.7 Summary
References

Chapter 9: Applications of Nanotechnology in Aerospace

9.1 Introduction
9.2 Use of Nanomaterials in Different Areas of Aviation
9.3 Possible Uses of Graphene in Aerospace
9.4 Stealth Technology
9.5 Summary
References

Index

End User License Agreement

List of Illustrations

Chapter 1

Figure 1.1 Nanometer scale.
Figure 1.2 TEM images of a multiwall carbon nanotube from two different angles showing lumen…

Chapter 2

Figure 2.1 Schematic diagram showing how a signal is transmitted and received in a Radar…
Figure 2.2 Alteration in design of stealth aircraft to avoid easy detection by radar.
Figure 2.3 Some popular stealth aircraft used in defense.
Figure 2.4 (left) Plasma-stealth aircraft and (right) stealth surrounded by plasma.
Figure 2.5 Ferrite acts as radar absorbing material.
Figure 2.6 Transverse electromagnetic mode wave propagation.
Figure 2.7 Schematic representation of the effect of microwave absorption by magnetic…
Figure 2.8 (left) Variation of reflection coefficient, transmission coefficient and…
Figure 2.9 (left) Variation of reflection coefficient, transmission coefficient and…
Figure 2.10 (left) Variation of reflection coefficient, transmission coefficient and…

Chapter 3

Figure 3.1 A timeline of selected key events in the development of nanotechnology.
Figure 3.2 Schematic of memristor stacked in a set whose dimensions could fulfill the…
Figure 3.3 Schematic of a rotaxane.

Chapter 3

Figure 3.4 Applications of nanocomputers in defense [23].

Chapter 4

Figure 4.1 Some characteristics of armor nanomaterials.
Figure 4.2 Nanochannels in proteins used as nanoreactors.
Figure 4.3 Fabrication of SWCNTs and MWCNT on metal particle surface.
Figure 4.4 A bulletproof vest made of Kevlar fabric and the chemical structure of polyamides.
Figure 4.5 Process for obtaining polyesters.
Figure 4.6 Schematic diagram of the electrospinning process to obtain polymer nanofibers.
Figure 4.7 A CVD set-up used for synthesis of CNT from a carbon-rich precursor by pyrolysis.
Figure 4.8 Growth of CNTs on the surface of nanocatalyst.
Figure 4.9 Functionalization of CNTs.
Figure 4.10 Nanocomposites used for fabricating armor material.
Figure 4.11 Simplified example of armor nanocomposite design.
Figure 4.12 Solution mixing process to obtain CNTs/polymer armor nanocomposites.
Figure 4.13 Armor nanocomposites obtained via in-situ polymerization.
Figure 4.14 Typical smart nanomaterials for armor.
Figure 4.15 Straight polymer changes its shape with body temperature (shape memory).
Figure 4.16 The shape memory of polymers can change with a change in pH, temperature or other…
Figure 4.17 Operation of an actuator showing on and off positions.

Chapter 6

Figure 6.1 Schematic diagram of Bacillus anthracis.
Figure 6.2 SEM image of Bacillus anthracis spores.
Figure 6.3 Chlamydophila psittaci.
Figure 6.4 Coxiella burnetii.
Figure 6.5 SEM image and schematic of E. coli.
Figure 6.6 (left) TEM of Rickettsia prowazekii and (right) adult female human body…
Figure 6.7 Shigella dysenteriae.
Figure 6.8 SEM image of Vibrio cholera.
Figure 6.9 (left) Oriental rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis) infected with Y. pestis,…
Figure 6.10 Various stages of growth of Coccidioides spp.
Figure 6.11 Some potential biological warfare viruses.
Figure 6.12 Aedes aegypti…
Figure 6.13 Molecular structures of some toxins considered as potential biological warfare…
Figure 6.14 Structural formula of some chemical warfare agents.
Figure 6.15 DNA molecules attached to the ends of vertical CNT grown on silicon chip.
Figure 6.16 Schematic diagram of an electrospinning unit.

Chapter 7

Figure 7.1 Light-emitting smart textile.
Figure 7.2 Some conductive polymers.
Figure 7.3 Various biomedical applications of electrically conductive polymers.
Figure 7.4 Typical fiber-optic cable.
Figure 7.5 Illustration of SMA deformation and strain recovery. (Here SMA is in martensite…
Figure 7.6 Shape memory materials.
Figure 7.7 Schematic of changes in the chemical structure of a photochromic material in order…
Figure 7.8 Schematic of electrochromic device stack, depicted in a darkened state. Electrons…
Figure 7.9 TMP100 sensor’s internal structure.

Chapter 8

Figure 8.1 Various camouflage used in the military.

Chapter 9

Figure 9.1 Schematic of Self-assembled nanophase (SNAP) system.
Figure 9.2 Data storage density for magnetic data recording.

List of Tables

Chapter 1

Table 1.1 Different battery technologies used in vehicles and their energy density.

Chapter 2

Table 2.1 Various CNM and their composites used as microwave absorbing materials.

Chapter 4

Table 4.1 Materials with high mechanical strength properties.

Chapter 6

Table 6.1 Biological war practiced in the past.
Table 6.2 Various species of Vibrio and the disease they cause in human.

Chapter 7

Table 7.1 Some achievements in smart textiles wearable for healthcare and protection of…

Chapter 9

Table 9.1 Mechanical properties of some commonly used aerospace aluminum alloys.

Scrivener Publishing
100 Cummings Center, Suite 541J
Beverly, MA 01915-6106

Advances in Nanotechnology & Applications

Series Editor: Madhuri Sharon

The unique properties of nanomaterials encourage the belief that they can be applied in a wide range of fields, from medical applications to electronics, environmental sciences, information and communication, heavy industries like aerospace, refineries, automobile, consumer and sports good, etc.

This book series will focus on the properties and related applications of nanomaterials so as to have a clear fundamental picture as to why nanoparticles are being tried instead of traditional methods. Since nanotechnology is encompassing various fields of science, each book will focus on one topic and will detail the basics to advanced science for the benefit of all levels of researchers.

Series Editor: Madhuri Sharon, Director, Walchand Centre for Research
in Nanotechnology & Bionanotechnology
W.H. Marg, Ashok Chowk, Solapur 413 006
Maharashtra,
India

E-mail:sharonmadhuri@gmail.com

Publishers at Scrivener
Martin Scrivener (martin@scrivenerpublishing.com)
Phillip Carmical (pcarmical@scrivenerpublishing.com)

Nanotechnology in the Defense Industry

Advances, Innovation, and Practical Applications

Madhuri Sharon

Angelica Silvestre Lopez Rodriguez

Chetna Sharon

Pio Sifuentes Gallardo

This edition first published 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA and Scrivener Publishing LLC, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 541J, Beverly, MA 01915, USA
© 2019 Scrivener Publishing LLC
For more information about Scrivener publications please visit www.scrivenerpublishing.com.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, except as permitted by law. Advice on how to obtain permission to reuse material from this title is available at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.

Wiley Global Headquarters
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA

For details of our global editorial offices, customer services, and more information about Wiley products visit us at www.wiley.com.

Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty
While the publisher and authors have used their best efforts in preparing this work, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives, written sales materials, or promotional statements for this work. The fact that an organization, website, or product is referred to in this work as a citation and/or potential source of further information does not mean that the publisher and authors endorse the information or services the organization, website, or product may provide or recommendations it may make. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering professional services. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a specialist where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor authors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. Further, readers should be aware that websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

ISBN 978-1-119-46012-1

Preface

More than half the globe is confronted with war or war-like volatility and complex security situations. Scientists, including nanotechnologists, in every sphere are concerned and want to contribute. In this book, the challenges of our time, including new demands on the military at every level, are addressed. The need to provide defense personnel with practical tools necessary to succeed in this unpredictable and unstable world is of utmost importance, because the character of warfare is changing with time. This book articulates various areas of the defense support system that can be improved with the incorporation of nanotechnology, as well as ways to further develop a modern, future-oriented, attractive and competitive military support system.

With these concerns in mind, the chapters of this book are devoted to various areas of nanotechnological innovation afforded soldiers such as smart clothing and combat suits, medical therapeutic and diagnostic support, improved air and ground vehicles, portable energy sources, and nanosensors. Nanotechnology supported stealth and counter-stealth technologies, radar absorbing materials, the role of computers in aid of defense and textiles to help in camouflaging are also discussed. In addition, chapters have also been devoted to chemical and biological warfare.

Madhuri Sharon

Mumbai
August 2019

Foreword

The old adage, “With age comes wisdom and experience,” holds true for the main author of this book, whom I have known for six years. My first encounter with her was in a spiritual meeting where I noticed her exceptional competency in executing holistic research, as she can inclusively think beyond the benefit of any particular organization or person attributed to her belief in spirituality. Dr. Madhuri Sharon epitomizes the life-long learner, always seeking novel approaches and skills. I have always loved and appreciated her dedication and significant contributions to the revolutionary field of nanotechnology, which is gaining considerable momentum in areas ranging from biomedical applications to their use in modern military systems.

The popular statement, “Small is the new big,” is reflected in the enormous amount of applications of nanotechnology in the military domain. In this book, the authors present the advanced features of nanotechnology that can be well integrated into current military tactics used to fight wars. Nanotechnology provides multifunctional materials such as nanobattlesuits, nanoweapons, nanosensors, stealth and camouflage devices that facilitate effective protection and better battlespace awareness. Miniaturization of already existing military equipment to make it smaller, lighter weight and easily concealable can provide significant strategic advantages over the enemy.

This book fills the innovation gap that puts soldiers in peril and highlights the fact that an understanding of nanotechnology is necessary for technological advancements in the defense industry to occur in order to ensure the future security of countries.

Dr. Sushil Chandra

Scientist ‘G’ and Head of the Biomedical
Engineering Department,
Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS) and Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO), New Delhi, India
July 2019