Nanotechnology in the Defense Industry

Madhuri Sharon completed her PhD from the University of Leicester and Postdoctoral studies from Bolton Institute of Technology. She is Director of Walchand Research Centre for Nanotechnology & Bionanotechnology, India. She has published more than 190 papers, 6 books by international publishers and has 11 patents. Angelica Silvestre Lopez Rodriguez studied for her PhD at the Applied Chemistry Research Center (CIQA) in Saltillo, Mexico. She is currently a Research Professor at the Juarez Autonomous University of Tabasco, Mexico. Her research interests are in synthesis, recycling and characterization of polymers, and synthesis of carbon materials. Chetna Sharon is currently working as a Research Instructor at VA Medical Center in Richmond, VA. She obtained her PhD in Molecular Biology and Applied Chemistry from Japan and has more than 20 years' experience in the field of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell signaling, and translational research directed towards development of therapies against serious life-threatening diseases (colorectal cancer, cardiomyopathy, respiratory disease caused by SARS). Pio Sifuentes Gallardo obtained his PhD in 2002 at the Applied Chemistry Research Center (CIQA), Mexico. He has done postdoctoral research at Kyung Hee University in South Korea, Maharastra, India and De Paul University, Chicago (USA). He is now a Research Professor at the Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Mexico.

• Preface xvForeword xvii1 Nanotechnology’s Entry into the Defense Arena 1Madhuri Sharon1.1 Introduction 11.2 What is Nanotechnology 21.3 Nanotechnology Offers Innovative Opportunities for Defense 41.4 Nanotechnology for Soldiers 51.4.1 Smart Clothing Using Nanotechnology for Various Applications 51.4.2 Invisibility and Adaptive Camouflage 61.4.3 Armor Fabric 81.4.3.1 Artificial Muscles 91.4.3.2 Strong, Lightweight and Self-Repairing Material 91.4.3.3 Tungsten as Ultrastrong Material 91.4.3.4 Carbon Nanomaterials 91.4.3.5 Future Combat Suits 101.4.4 Faster Intensive Medical Help 111.4.4.1 Diagnostic Support Using Nanotechnology 111.4.4.2 Nano-Tourniquet 111.4.4.3 Antitoxin Guard 121.4.4.4 Lab-on-Chip 121.4.4.5 In-Situ Tissue Repair 121.4.4.6 Artificial Organs 131.4.5 Food and Safe Drinking Water 131.5 Increased Surveillance for Better Protection and Security 141.6 Smaller, More Effective and Cheaper Nanotechnology-Based Weapons 151.7 Nanotechnology in Aeronautics for Lighter and Faster Aircraft 171.7.1 Exfoliated Nanocomposites 181.7.2 Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT), Double-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (DWCNT) and Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) 181.7.3 Nanoplatelets and Nanofibers of Graphite/Graphene 181.7.4 Electrospun Nanofibers 191.8 Nanotechnology for Stealth Warships and Submarines for Ocean Exploration 201.8.1 Microwave Absorber for Stealth Technology 201.8.2 Invisible Stealth Ships, Planes and Vehicles 211.8.3 Radar Absorbing Material: Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) 221.8.4 Radar Absorbing Material: Ionic Liquids 231.9 Nanotechnology for Vehicles 231.9.1 Vehicles with Scratch Resistant Surfaces 241.10 Nanotechnology for Satellites 241.11 Nanomaterials for Portable Energy/Power 251.11.1 Portable Fuel Cells (FC) 251.11.2 Rechargeable Lithium (Li) Batteries 261.11.3 Supercapacitor 271.11.4 Solar Cells 271.12 Nanosensors 281.12.1 Chemical Nanosensors 291.12.2 Mechanical Nanosensors 291.12.3 Magnetic Nanosensors 301.12.4 Radiation Nanosensors 301.12.5 Portable Miniature X-Ray Nanosensors 301.12.6 Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Nanosensors 311.12.7 Smart Dust Sensors 311.13 Nanotechnology for Logistics 311.13.1 Smaller, Faster Nano-Cameras 321.14 Conclusions 33References 342 Stealth, Counter Stealth and Nanotechnology 37Madhuri Sharon2.1 Introduction 372.2 Radar – An Incentive for Developing Stealth 382.2.1 Principle of Radar 382.2.2 How Radar Functions 392.3 What is Stealth and Why Was It Developed? 402.4 Considerations and Efforts for Designing Stealth Aircraft 432.4.1 Camouflaging 432.4.2 Plasma Active Stealth 442.4.3 Inactivating Radar Signal or Making Planes Less Visible 452.4.3.1 Radar Absorbing Material (RAM) 462.4.3.2 What are Microwaves? 472.4.3.3 How are Microwaves Absorbed? 482.4.3.4 Microwave Transmitting Structures 512.4.3.5 Types of Microwave Absorbers 522.5 Radar Cross Section (RCS) 582.6 Shaping of Stealth or Improved Aerodynamics by Reducing RCS 592.7 Reducing the IR Signature 602.8 Muffling Aircraft Noise 612.9 What is Counter Stealth and Why is it Used? 612.9.1 LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) 622.9.2 Multi-Band 3D Radar 622.9.3 Quantum Radar 632.10 Nanotechnology for Improved Stealth Performance 632.10.1 Nanomaterials as RAM or Microwave Absorber 642.10.1.1 Nanoferrite Absorber 652.10.1.2 Nano-Carbon and Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Composites as Absorbers 682.10.2 Nanomaterials in Airframe Structure 722.10.2.1 Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) Conjugated with Polymers 742.10.2.2 Nanoclay Reinforced Polymer Composites 782.10.2.3 Metal Nanoparticle Incorporated Composites 782.10.3 Nano-Metal Coatings for Aero-Engine Parts 792.10.4 Nanomaterials for Electro-Communication Component of Aircraft 802.10.4.1 Nanoparticles for Data Storage Media 802.10.4.2 Nanoparticles for Supercapacitors 822.10.4.3 MEMS and NEMS for Fuel Management 832.10.4.4 Other Applications of Nanotechnology in Supporting Advanced Stealth Systems 842.11 Conclusions 84References 853 Nanocomputers in Aid of Defense 89Angelica Sylvestris Lopez Rodriguez3.1 Introduction 893.1.1 Classification of Nanocomputers 903.1.1.1 Electronic Nanocomputers 903.1.1.2 Mechanical Nanocomputers 913.1.1.3 Chemical and Biochemical Nanocomputers 913.1.1.4 Quantum Nanocomputers 923.1.1.5 DNA Nanocomputers 933.2 History of Nanocomputers 933.3 The Nanocomputers 973.3.1 Nanotechnology and Quantum Computers 983.3.2 Recent Advances in Nanocomputers 993.4 Applications of Nanocomputers in the Military 1003.5 More Powerful Computers to Come 1033.6 Summary 105References 1054 Nanotechnology-Aided Armor 109Pio Sifullentes Gallardo4.1 Historical Background of Armor 1094.2 Nanomaterial-Aided Armor 1114.2.1 Polymers 1114.2.1.1 Polymerization Reaction 1124.2.2 Carbon Nanoforms 1184.2.2.1 Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) 1194.2.2.2 Functionalization of CNT 1214.2.3 Nanocomposites 1224.2.3.1 Processes for Preparing Nanocomposites for Armor 1254.2.4 Armor of Smart Nanomaterials 1284.2.4.1 Memory Materials 1294.3 Summary 131References 1315 Nanotechnology and Weapons 133Chetna Sharon5.1 Introduction 1335.2 Considerations for Developing Nano High Energy Materials (HEMs) for Weapons 1345.2.1 Propellants 1355.2.2 Explosives 1375.2.3 Pyrotechnics 1395.3 Requirements for Nanoparticles Used in Nanoweapons 1425.4 Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Weapons 1435.5 Characterization of Nanomaterials Used in Weapons 1465.6 Nanomaterials for Use in Nanoweapons and Ammunition 1475.6.1 Super Penetrating Materials 1475.6.2 Nanocrystalline Tungsten 1485.6.3 Liquid Metal 1485.6.4 High Energy Laser Weapons 1485.7 Nanoweapons 1495.7.1 Types of Nanoweapons 1505.7.1.1 Molecularly Assembled Nanoweapons 1515.7.1.2 Mini-Nukes and Mosquito-Like Robot Weapons 1525.7.1.3 Invisible Nano-Needle Bullets 1535.7.1.4 Non-Nuclear Bomb 1535.7.1.5 Nanoweapons to Replace or Improvise Current Nuclear Weapons 1545.7.1.6 New Nano Spies – Nano-Sized Fighter Jets 1555.7.1.7 CornerShot 1555.7.1.8 Laser-Guided Weapons 1565.7.1.9 Bullet Camera (TNO Concept) 1575.7.1.10 Landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices 1575.8 Defensive Measures to Combat Nanoweapons 1585.9 Risks Posed by Nanoweapons 1595.10 Need for Preventive Anti-Nanoweapon and Anti-Ecophagic Policies 1605.11 Summary 160References 1616 Nanotechnology to Aid Biological and Chemical Warfare Defense 165Madhuri Sharon6.1 Introduction 1656.2 What is Biological Warfare? 1666.2.1 Types of Biological Warfare 1706.2.1.1 Bacteria 1706.2.1.2 Fungus 1856.2.1.3 Virus 1886.2.1.4 Insects 1986.2.1.5 Biogenic Toxins 2026.3 Chemical Warfare 2096.3.1 Types of Chemical Weapons 2106.3.1.1 Nerve Agents 2106.3.1.2 Blister Agents 2116.3.1.3 Choking Agents 2126.3.1.4 Blood Agents 2126.3.1.5 Riot Control Agents 2136.4 How Nanotechnology Can Protect from Biological and Chemical Warfare 2146.4.1 Nanosensors that Aid Biological and Chemical Warfare 2146.4.1.1 Blue Crab Nanosensors 2156.4.1.2 Nanowire Biosensors 2156.4.1.3 Intracellular Biosensors 2166.4.1.4 Biosensors 2166.4.1.5 Nanosensor as Nano-Nose 2176.4.2 Nanotechnology and Protective Clothing for Defense Personnel 2176.4.2.1 Nanofabrics and On-Time Detection and Treatment 2186.4.3 Nanorobotics and Other Futuristic Nano-Applications 2246.5 Disadvantages of Nanotechnology 2246.6 Summary 225References 2257 Smart Nanofabrics for Defense 235Madhuri Sharon7.1 Introduction 2367.2 A Brief History of Smart Skin Material 2387.3 Types of Smart Textiles 2377.3.1 Passive Smart Textiles 2387.3.2 Active Smart Textiles 2387.3.3 Ultra Small Textiles 2387.4 Fabrication of Smart Textiles 2397.4.1 Metal Fibers 2407.4.2 Conducting Inks 2407.4.3 Inherently Conductive Polymers (ICP) 2417.4.3.1 Polypyrrole (PPy) 2427.4.3.2 Polyacetylene or Polyethylene or Polythene (PE) 2427.4.3.3 Polyaniline (PANi) 2427.4.3.4 Polythiophene and Its Derivatives 2437.4.4 Electrically Conductive Polymers (ECP) 2437.4.5 Optical Fibers 2447.4.6 Shape Memory Material (SMM) 2457.4.7 Chromic Material 2467.4.7.1 Thermochromism 2477.4.7.2 Photochromism 2477.4.7.3 Electrochromism 2477.4.7.4 Piezochromism 2487.4.7.5 Solvation Chromism 2497.4.8 Phase Change Materials (PCM) 2497.5 Nanoparticle Coated Textiles 2497.5.1 Antimicrobial Fabrics 2507.5.2 Water Repellant (Hydrophobic Fabric), Stain Repellant and Spill Resistant Fabrics 2507.5.3 Self-Cleaning Fabrics 2527.5.4 UV Radiation Protection 2537.5.5 Static Resistant or Anti-Static Fabric 2547.6 Applications of Nanoparticle Coated Smart Textiles 2547.6.1 Healthcare Fabrics 2557.6.2 Self-Powered Smart Textiles 2567.6.3 CNT-Based Smart Fabrics 2597.6.3.1 CNT and Metallic Antennas for Smart Textiles 2607.6.3.2 Cotton Coated with MWCNT for Energy Storage 2617.6.3.3 CNT Braided Fabric for Monitoring Composites 2617.6.3.4 CNT-Based Smart Electronic Textile 2627.7 Sensors for Smart Textiles 2637.7.1 Temperature Sensor 2647.7.2 Humidity Sensitive Textiles 2657.7.3 Capacitive Pressure Sensors 2667.7.4 Resistive Pressure Sensors 2667.7.5 Optical Textile Sensors 2677.8 Actuators for Smart Textile 2677.9 Summary 269References 2698 Nanomaterial for Adaptive Camouflage and Structure 275Angelica Sylvestris Lopez Rodriguez8.1 Introduction 2758.2 Camouflage 2778.3 Camouflage for the Military 2798.4 Types of Camouflage 2808.4.1 Woodland Camouflage 2808.4.2 Desert Camouflage 2808.4.3 Desert Camouflage of Three Colors 2808.4.4 Digital Army Combat Uniform (ACU) Camouflage 2818.4.5 Tiger Stripe Camouflage 2818.4.6 City or Urban Camouflage 2828.5 Active or Adaptive Camouflage 2828.6 Nanomaterials for Advanced Camouflaging 2888.6.1 Some Possibilities in the Near Future 2858.7 Summary 286References 2869 Applications of Nanotechnology in Aerospace 289Madhuri Sharon9.1 Introduction 2899.2 Use of Nanomaterials in Different Areas of Aviation 2919.2.1 Airframe Structure 2919.2.1.1 Commonly Used Aluminum Alloys in Heavier Parts of the Aircraft 2929.2.1.2 Commonly Used Aluminum Alloys in Other Parts of the Aircraft 2949.2.1.3 Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles 2949.2.1.4 Nanomaterials for Airframe Structures 2959.2.2 Nanocoating 2969.2.3 Aero Engine Parts 3009.2.4 Aircraft Electrocommunication System 3009.2.5 Radar Technology for Detecting Landmines 3049.3 Possible Uses of Graphene in Aerospace 3049.4 Stealth Technology 3069.5 Summary 306References 307Index 309