Military Institute of Engineer Technology

The main goal of this review is to comprehensively present the properties of silicon, germanium, and silicon-germanium systems and analyze current possibilities of producing fibers based on them for applications as a photovoltaic fabric for a future soldier. The vision of the future is to produce a feather-light photovoltaic optic fiber, exhibiting mechanical properties typical of Kevlar, enabling power/recharging of portable electric devices while simultaneously protecting against mechanical damage and explosions. This article analyzes, in detail, issues such as the occurrence and mobility of germanium in the environment, the life cycle of SiGe photovoltaic fabrics, ecotoxicological and human health implications, sustainable development strategies and policy implications, and analytical challenges due to low concentrations in the environment. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of silicon-based solar cells are analyzed, taking into account various factors, including environmental factors. Finally, the soldier of the future is analyzed.

Monitoring the technical condition of bridge structures is a crucial aspect of their operation, as it enables early detection of damage and optimization of maintenance costs. Thanks to the implementation of monitoring systems, it is possible not only to extend the service life of bridges but also to increase user safety and reduce repair expenses. Recent publications indicate that the use of machine learning (ML) methods in bridge monitoring can significantly enhance the effectiveness and precision of conducted analyses. ML techniques are widely applied in the assessment of technical condition – they allow for automatic anomaly detection, damage classification, and forecasting of the durability of individual structural elements.

Current scientific and technological developments indicate that the need for dendrimers and nanomaterials should be taken into account in aspects such as the detection and remediation of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) contamination. To evaluate the benefits of dendrimers in CBRN contamination, different characterization methods, toxicological evaluation, and recyclability must be used. The aim of this article is to systematize knowledge about selected nanomaterials and dendrimers as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) hazards in accordance with the principles of green chemistry, engineering, technology and environmental safety. So far, many review articles on dendrimers and nanomaterials have focused on biomedical applications or environmental remediation. In this article, we discuss this topic in more detail, especially in relation to the integration of dendrimers with artificial intelligence and remote sensing technologies. We highlight interdisciplinary synergies—artificial intelligence for smarter design and remote sensing for deployment—that could bridge the gap between nanoscale innovation and real CBRN countermeasures.

The evolution of paint coatings is rapid, multidirectional, and most interesting.Progress in the field of polymer coating technology stems from the three most important functions: the decorative function, the protective function, and the informative function.Paint systems account for approximately 50% of all coating systems.About 95% of steel structures are estimated to be safeguarded against corrosion with protective coatings, including as much as 90% -with paint coatings.The service life of paint systems ranges from several months to several years.A special group of paint systems is paint coatings for military applications, mainly for camouflaging weapon systems and military equipment.Paint coatings are fundamentals of camouflage -they camouflage vehicles/objects in the optical range, both visible light (VIS) and the near-infrared (NIR) range.The main task of effective camouflage is to eliminate those features that may cause the object to be differentiated from its surroundings, i.e., those that make it possible to distinguish one's assets from the background, and these may include, for example, color, shape, size, gloss, and texture.The paper analyzes the functional operational properties of two-layer coatings for use in military technology.The properties were evaluated based on microstructure analysis and measurements of surface geometric structure, nanohardness, and adhesion.The tests were carried out for two-layer masking coating systems made in three variants: coating system (SP1), coating system modified with carbon nanotubes (SP2), coating system modified with glass microspheres (SP3).Paint coating systems were applied by pneumatic spraying to DC01 steel samples using SATA guns.Due to their operational properties, the developed coating systems can be used on weapons and military vehicles.

This work presents issues related to the solidification process taking place in moist granular porous media in which water undergoes a phase change as a result of low temperatures. The characteristics of porous materials are also presented, as well as the description and method of determining the basic parameters related to solidification in porous granular deposits. Moreover, as part of the theoretical analysis of the solidification process in a granular bed, a simplified theoretical model of a wet porous material was presented, enabling the development of appropriate theoretical formulas describing the solidification phenomenon. In order to verify the theoretical solutions to the problem, a description and construction of a research stand for conducting experimental research were presented. Using defined dimensionless quantities and formulas, presented in detail in the works of other researchers, charts were developed and illustrated in the work. The entire study is summarized with conclusions that concern the great practical importance of the presented issues, especially for the technical condition of road surfaces

Abstract: The article presents two methodologies for testing the effectiveness of camouflaging military equipment. The tested objects were camouflaged with deforming camouflage dedicated to the environment and season. The tests covered the visible spectrum and were carried out both in real conditions - training ground, and in a virtual environment – on a specially prepared calibrated stand, characterized by compliance with real conditions and human perception of vision – presented colors, as well as in terms of the amount of information and detail rendering. These two test methods were compared, attention was drawn to the high correlation of results and to some characteristic properties of both separately. The work confirms the legitimacy of developing and improving virtual research methods as supporting in the design and testing of modern camouflage patterns, especially at the initial stage of pattern design. It can also be useful when assessing masking systems in other ranges of electromagnetic radiation: UV, near infrared, or thermal range.

The paper presents an analysis of the functional operational properties of multilayer coatings for use in military technology in the field of masking. The developed coating systems are characterized by operational innovation due to their small thickness when compared to those currently used by global defence contractors while maintaining the re-emission coefficient required for camouflage to be effective in the optical range. Their service life and durability were assessed in terms of functional properties based on measurements of attenuation coefficients, surface geometric structure, adhesion, specular gloss and colour parameters. The tests were carried out for coating systems fabricated in five variants: a two-layer paint system (SP1), a threelayer paint system (SP2), a laser-modified three-layer paint system (SP3) and a four-layer paint system in two variants (SP4 and SP5), with the former being modified with carbon nanotubes and the later − with spherical iron. Coating systems are characterized by low roughness and good adhesion and have appropriate attenuation coefficients for radar waves. Due to their operational properties, the developed coating systems can be used on armaments and military equipment.

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of the environment's pH on the degradation of the layers of the ternary composite l,d-PLA : 5CB : SWCN (10 : 1 : 0.5, w/w/w), where l,d-PLA (poly(lactic acid)) is a biodegradable polymer, 5CB is a well-known liquid crystal (4'-pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile), and SWCN are single-walled carbon nanotubes. For this purpose, the samples were stored in air, distilled water, and solutions of 0.1 M NaOH and 0.1 M HCl, for up to 62 days. Using differential scanning calorimetry, atomic force microscopy, and infra-red spectroscopy methods it was observed that for both neat l,d-PLA and composite layers there was a poor degradation process after the storage under standard air conditions, distilled water, and 0.1 M HCl solution, while the erosion of the surface layer kept in 0.1 M NaOH solution was revealed just after 6 days. The longer storage in 0.1 M NaOH solution resulted in complete degradation of the l,d-PLA polymer layer, while the composite layer survived for up to 62 days. The solubilization of the polymeric l,d-PLA matrix in the composite after 62 days was so severe that it resulted in the vanishing of thermal effects on the DSC curve except for one that was probably connected with the glass transition of the residual quantity of the polymer that remained in the layer or the isotropisation of 5CB. As a result, we have shown that admixtures of 5CB and SWCN accelerate the degradation of l,d-PLA in the composite layer due to the hydrophilic/hydrophobic interface in the layer and act as plasticizers. The mechanism of the degradation process is also discussed.

Abstract The article addresses the very important issue of enriching the products with additives improving the fire resistance properties. For this purpose, hydroxide additives (aluminium and magnesium) were used, which decompose at increased temperature to form water. When designing the experiments, one of the Experimental Design Methods (DOE) was used: 2k factorial design for two independent variables. The enriched coatings were tested in accordance with the requirements of PN-EN 45545-2, incl. Intensity of heat release, lateral propagation of flame on products in vertical configuration, or testing of generated fumes and gases. Mechanical properties such as cohesion and impact toughness were also tested. The effectiveness of this type of additives was assessed, as well as their synergistic effect (due to the different decomposition temperature).

Abstract. The article presents a method of designing and assessing the camouflage effectiveness of a novel camouflage pattern used in military uniforms. “Artificial intelligence”, namely cellular automata, which, based on terrain imaging, allowed the authors to obtain dedicated, tailor-made, or universal camouflage patterns, was used as the design method. On the other hand, the study on camouflage effectiveness was based on tests with the participation of observers in a virtual environment using a personal computer.