Thermocrystalline Infrablend
Thermocrystalline Infrablend, or TCI, is an applique or integrated material complex specifically engineered to reduce the infrared (IR) profile of desired objects (such as mobile fencers), making them less detectable by heat-sensing technologies like infrared cameras and thermal sensors.
TCI is composed of a complex lattice film made up of crystals down to the nanoscopic level. These crystals are primarily composed of carbon allotropes, like graphene and carbon nanotubes, which possess thermal conductive properties. Embedded within this lattice are specially engineered inorganic macromolecules known as “IR-absorption suppressors”, or IRAS. These IRAS molecules play a crucial role in reducing the material's IR signature by retaining this heat under a chemical “cowl” that hides the miniature heat sink from detection, thus conferring a lower infrared/heat profile to the overall object. Due to the chemical complexity of thermocrystalline infrablends, they have enormous production cost and are only reserved for use on uniforms or vehicles for stealth-oriented operations. The application of this film is also a time-consuming process and yields a fragile product. Once pierced by a projectile or overheated by a laser or plasma weapon, TCI may not retain the same qualities as from initial application.