Chameleon Coating - Development

Development

The beginning of Chameleon Coating was not always nanoscaled until recent developments in nanoengineering. Before the use of nano films (coatings), the films used to provide the beneficiary aspects of the coating would break down easier and faster due to consistent wear and tear. The use of the nano thin films helped control dislocating formation of the film and helped reduce the shear rate( rate at which the film deteriorated) due to abrasion and wear several folds over. The term “chameleon coating” was used in analogy to the actual coating of a chameleon where the coat of a chameleon is able to adapt to its environment as a defense mechanism to avoid predators and increase its chances of survival. The use of diamond-like carbons or DLC for short is generally one of the nano films used to inhibit abrasion. A possible nano film that could be used to counteract temperature changes are the pure metals Ag and Au (Silver and Gold). Silver and Gold can withstand high temperatures and remain soft which is desirable for coating properties. Using a lattice matrix ( a template for the coating using the basket weave design), nano engineers are able to utilize properties of the DLC’s and pure metals to make chameleon coatings more adaptable at even more varied environments.