Protection against radiant heat energy

Abstract

Abstract This invention relates to a process for providing protection against intense radiant heat energy such as that released by a thermonuclear explosion. The process is characterized by disposing a dye in the vapor state between the source of radiant heat energy and an object to be protected. The chromophore groups of the dye intercept photons primarily in the ultra-violet, visible and infra-red regions and reradiate and/or dissipate heat energy to the air thereby decreasing the heat energy reaching the object to be protected. The dyes contemplated by the invention are those that contain chromophore groups defined as molecules or portions thereof capable of intercepting photons and which are stable in the vapor state. In a preferred embodiment, the dye is combined with a carrier which secures the dye to a substrate to be protected and preferably is capable of vaporizing or gassing as opposed to liberating smoke, at least in part, at relatively low temperatures, as required for protection of the substrate, to liberate dye which is vaporized and propelled towards the source of radiant heat energy by the gaseous decomposition products of the carrier.

Inventors

• 👤 R Prosser

Bibliographic Details