A retroreflective article including a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements. Each retroreflective element includes a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements include a reflective layer that is embedded between the transparent microsphere and the binder layer. At least some of the embedded reflective layers are localized reflective layers.

A retroreflective article including a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements. Each retroreflective element includes a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements include a reflective layer that is embedded between the transparent microsphere and the binder layer. At least some of the embedded reflective layers are localized reflective layers.

A thermal camouflage garment containing at least two zones, each zone containing a thermal camouflage fabric. The camouflage fabrics each contain a printed layer. In at least 90% of the wavelengths between 400-700 nm at least one of the first, second, and third color deltas are less than about 10 percentage points, and wherein at 1 μm and 2 μm and the average over 3-5 μm, average over 8-12 μm the first, at least one of the first, second, and third color deltas are greater than about 15 percentage points. The first zone makes up at least about 10% of the outer surface area of the thermal camouflage garment and the second zone makes up at least about 10% of the outer surface area of the thermal camouflage garment.

Provided are fabrics having retroreflectivity, products produced therefrom and methods of their manufacture.

The present disclosure provides for articles that can exhibit structural colors through the use of an optical stack and a cover release layer, where the cover release layer is disposed on an externally (or outwardly) facing surface of the optical stack. The optical stack can be disposed on a substrate, which can be disposed on a surface of an article or the optical stack can be disposed on a surface of the article. The cover release layer can be disposed on the optical stack on the side opposite the substrate or article surface so it is on the externally facing surface and can be viewed by an observer. When exposed to visible light, the optical stack imparts a structural color, where the structural color is visible color produced, at least in part, through optical effects (e.g., through scattering, refraction, reflection, interference, and/or diffraction of visible wavelengths of light). The structural color can have a single color or be multicolor, including iridescent. The cover release layer is disposed over (e.g., at least portions) of the optical stack so that the structural color is not present since it is not exposed to light, but when the cover release layer is removed, the optical stack can impart structural color. The cover release layer can be removed by abrasion (e.g., intentional or unintentional), where the abrasion can be applied to the cover release layer that causes separation of the cover release layer from the optical stack.

An apparatus including a fine-array porous material with a specific surface area higher than 10/mm, the specific surface area depending on different pore sizes, wherein the porous material comprises a plurality of pores having a substantially uniform size with a variation of less than about 20%, wherein the size is larger than about 100 nm and smaller than about 10 cm. The high-buoyancy apparatus can be part of a water vehicle such as a boat or a submarine, and the fine-array porous material is configured to reduce friction and/or control buoyancy. A conduit is also provided employing a fine-array porous material to reduce friction and/or control buoyancy. A garment is provided taking advantage of water repellant and/or UV/IR reflection properties of the fine-array porous material.

A retroreflective article including a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements. Each retroreflective element includes a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements include a reflective layer that is a locally-laminated reflective layer that is embedded between the transparent microsphere and the binder layer. At least some of the locally-laminated reflective layers may be localized reflective layers.

A light-weight radiation protection panel comprising radiation protection layer and a flexible material. The radiation protection layer comprises a plurality of a shielding material distributed in repeated and adjacent units of geometrical shapes, the light-weight radiation protection panel being able to be embodied in a wearable garment providing flexibility.

A stitched fabric including a retroreflective core and a yarn stitched through and forming stitch holes in the retroreflective core, where the yarn extends over at least a majority of a width and a length of the stitched fabric but still permits a portion of the retroreflective core to be visible. In some cases, the yarn and the retroreflective core are free from contact by another layer on either side of the retroreflective core. In some cases, a barrier layer is disposed over at least one side of the retroreflective core and a melted portion of the barrier layer fills a portion of the stitch holes.

An electromagnetic camouflage shield comprises a flexible conductive layer and a textile layer. The shield includes at least one outward facing fibrous face, and is creped with at least 5% increased elongation to enhance its flexibility and effective EM thickness. The conductive layer can be the textile layer, or a separate layer. In embodiments, the conductive layer is one of a woven that incorporates metallic yarns, a textile having an electroless plated metal coating, a metal mesh, a thin layer of foil, and an elastomeric layer having a conductive and/or ferrite filler. The textile layer can be a woven or non-woven. Embodiments are fashioned into shirts, pants, and/or other clothing, and can provide drape and moisture vapor transport for enhanced comfort.