Table Of ContentNanotechnology in the
Defense Industry
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 elec-
tronics, 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 nanopar-
ticles 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:[email protected]
Publishers at Scrivener
Martin Scrivener ([email protected])
Phillip Carmical ([email protected])
Nanotechnology in the
Defense Industry
Advances, Innovation,
and Practical Applications
by
Madhuri Sharon, Angelica Silvestre
Lopez Rodriguez, Chetna Sharon
and 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
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
ISBN 978-1-119-46012-1
Cover image: Pixabay.Com
Cover design by Russell Richardson
Set in size of 13pt and Minion Pro by Manila Typesetting Company, Makati, Philippines
Printed in the USA
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Contents
Preface xv
Foreword xvii
1 Nanotechnology’s Entry into the Defense Arena 1
Madhuri Sharon
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 What Is Nanotechnology 2
1.3 Nanotechnology Offers Innovative Opportunities for Defense 4
1.4 Nanotechnology for Soldiers 5
1.4.1 Smart Clothing Using Nanotechnology for Various
Applications 5
1.4.2 Invisibility and Adaptive Camouflage 6
1.4.3 Armor Fabric 8
1.4.3.1 Artificial Muscles 9
1.4.3.2 Strong, Lightweight and Self-Repairing
Material 9
1.4.3.3 Tungsten as Ultrastrong Material 9
1.4.3.4 Carbon Nanomaterials 9
1.4.3.5 Future Combat Suits 10
1.4.4 Faster Intensive Medical Help 11
1.4.4.1 Diagnostic Support Using Nanotechnology 11
1.4.4.2 Nano-Tourniquet 11
1.4.4.3 Antitoxin Guard 12
1.4.4.4 Lab-on-Chip 12
1.4.4.5 In-Situ Tissue Repair 12
1.4.4.6 Artificial Organs 13
1.4.5 Food and Safe Drinking Water 13
1.5 Increased Surveillance for Better Protection and Security 14
1.6 Smaller, More Effective and Cheaper Nanotechnology-Based
Weapons 15
v
vi Contents
1.7 Nanotechnology in Aeronautics for Lighter and
Faster Aircraft 17
1.7.1 Exfoliated Nanocomposites 18
1.7.2 Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT),
Double-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (DWCNT)
and Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) 18
1.7.3 Nanoplatelets and Nanofibers of Graphite/Graphene 18
1.7.4 Electrospun Nanofibers 19
1.8 Nanotechnology for Stealth Warships and Submarines
for Ocean Exploration 20
1.8.1 Microwave Absorber for Stealth Technology 20
1.8.2 Invisible Stealth Ships, Planes and Vehicles 21
1.8.3 Radar Absorbing Material: Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) 22
1.8.4 Radar Absorbing Material: Ionic Liquids 23
1.9 Nanotechnology for Vehicles 23
1.9.1 Vehicles with Scratch Resistant Surfaces 24
1.10 Nanotechnology for Satellites 24
1.11 Nanomaterials for Portable Energy/Power 25
1.11.1 Portable Fuel Cells (FC) 25
1.11.2 Rechargeable Lithium (Li) Batteries 26
1.11.3 Supercapacitor 27
1.11.4 Solar Cells 27
1.12 Nanosensors 28
1.12.1 Chemical Nanosensors 29
1.12.2 Mechanical Nanosensors 29
1.12.3 Magnetic Nanosensors 30
1.12.4 Radiation Nanosensors 30
1.12.5 Portable Miniature X-Ray Nanosensors 30
1.12.6 Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
Nanosensors 31
1.12.7 Smart Dust Sensors 31
1.13 Nanotechnology for Logistics 31
1.13.1 Smaller, Faster Nano-Cameras 32
1.14 Conclusions 33
References 34
2 Stealth, Counter Stealth and Nanotechnology 37
Madhuri Sharon
2.1 Introduction 37
2.2 Radar – An Incentive for Developing Stealth 38
Contents vii
2.2.1 Principle of Radar 38
2.2.2 How Radar Functions 39
2.3 What Is Stealth and Why Was It Developed? 40
2.4 Considerations and Efforts for Designing Stealth Aircraft 43
2.4.1 Camouflaging 43
2.4.2 Plasma Active Stealth 44
2.4.3 Inactivating Radar Signal or Making Planes
Less Visible 45
2.4.3.1 Radar Absorbing Material (RAM) 46
2.4.3.2 What Are Microwaves? 47
2.4.3.3 How Are Microwaves Absorbed? 48
2.4.3.4 Microwave Transmitting Structures 51
2.4.3.5 Types of Microwave Absorbers 52
2.5 Radar Cross Section (RCS) 58
2.6 Shaping of Stealth or Improved Aerodynamics
by Reducing RCS 59
2.7 Reducing the IR Signature 60
2.8 Muffling Aircraft Noise 61
2.9 What Is Counter Stealth and Why Is It Used? 61
2.9.1 LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) 62
2.9.2 Multi-Band 3D Radar 62
2.9.3 Quantum Radar 63
2.10 Nanotechnology for Improved Stealth Performance 63
2.10.1 Nanomaterials as RAM or Microwave Absorber 64
2.10.1.1 Nanoferrite Absorber 65
2.10.1.2 Nano-Carbon and Carbon Nanotube (CNT)
Composites as Absorbers 68
2.10.2 Nanomaterials in Airframe Structure 72
2.10.2.1 Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) Conjugated
with Polymers 74
2.10.2.2 Nanoclay Reinforced Polymer Composites 78
2.10.2.3 Metal Nanoparticle Incorporated
Composites 78
2.10.3 Nano-Metal Coatings for Aero-Engine Parts 79
2.10.4 Nanomaterials for Electro-Communication
Component of Aircraft 80
2.10.4.1 Nanoparticles for Data Storage Media 80
2.10.4.2 Nanoparticles for Supercapacitors 82
2.10.4.3 MEMS and NEMS for Fuel Management 83
viii Contents
2.10.4.4 Other Applications of Nanotechnology
in Supporting Advanced Stealth Systems 84
2.11 Conclusions 84
References 85
3 Nanocomputers in Aid of Defense 89
Angelica Sylvestris Lopez Rodriguez
3.1 Introduction 89
3.1.1 Classification of Nanocomputers 90
3.1.1.1 Electronic Nanocomputers 90
3.1.1.2 Mechanical Nanocomputers 91
3.1.1.3 Chemical and Biochemical Nanocomputers 91
3.1.1.4 Quantum Nanocomputers 92
3.1.1.5 DNA Nanocomputers 93
3.2 History of Nanocomputers 93
3.3 The Nanocomputers 97
3.3.1 Nanotechnology and Quantum Computers 98
3.3.2 Recent Advances in Nanocomputers 99
3.4 Applications of Nanocomputers in the Military 100
3.5 More Powerful Computers to Come 103
3.6 Summary 105
References 105
4 Nanotechnology-Aided Armor 109
Pio Sifullentes Gallardo
4.1 Historical Background of Armor 109
4.2 Nanomaterial-Aided Armor 111
4.2.1 Polymers 111
4.2.1.1 Polymerization Reaction 112
4.2.2 Carbon Nanoforms 118
4.2.2.1 Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) 119
4.2.2.2 Functionalization of CNT 121
4.2.3 Nanocomposites 122
4.2.3.1 Processes for Preparing Nanocomposites
for Armor 125
4.2.4 Armor of Smart Nanomaterials 128
4.2.4.1 Memory Materials 129
4.3 Summary 131
References 131
Contents ix
5 Nanotechnology and Weapons 133
Chetna Sharon
5.1 Introduction 133
5.2 Considerations for Developing Nano High Energy
Materials (HEMs) for Weapons 134
5.2.1 Propellants 135
5.2.2 Explosives 137
5.2.3 Pyrotechnics 139
5.3 Requirements for Nanoparticles Used in Nanoweapons 142
5.4 Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Weapons 143
5.5 Characterization of Nanomaterials Used in Weapons 146
5.6 Nanomaterials for Use in Nanoweapons and Ammunition 147
5.6.1 Super Penetrating Materials 147
5.6.2 Nanocrystalline Tungsten 148
5.6.3 Liquid Metal 148
5.6.4 High Energy Laser Weapons 148
5.7 Nanoweapons 149
5.7.1 Types of Nanoweapons 150
5.7.1.1 Molecularly Assembled Nanoweapons 151
5.7.1.2 Mini-Nukes and Mosquito-Like
Robot Weapons 152
5.7.1.3 Invisible Nano-Needle Bullets 153
5.7.1.4 Non-Nuclear Bomb 153
5.7.1.5 Nanoweapons to Replace or Improvise
Current Nuclear Weapons 154
5.7.1.6 New Nano Spies – Nano-Sized Fighter Jets 155
5.7.1.7 CornerShot 155
5.7.1.8 Laser-Guided Weapons 156
5.7.1.9 Bullet Camera (TNO Concept) 157
5.7.1.10 Landmines and Improvised
Explosive Devices 157
5.8 Defensive Measures to Combat Nanoweapons 158
5.9 Risks Posed by Nanoweapons 159
5.10 Need for Preventive Anti-Nanoweapon and Anti-Ecophagic
Policies 160
5.11 Summary 160
References 161
