Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides a reflective material, adapted for the efficient retro-reflection of radiation emitted by radar, the material comprising a multiplicity of reflective entities which are typically embedded in a substrate, the multiplicity of reflective entities being comprised in at least one reflective surface or electrically conducting surface, and the at least one reflective surface or electrically conducting surface comprising an electrically conductive coating, a high permittivity material, a foil, a film or a fabric formed from electrically conducting fibres or filaments. The reflective entities may comprise discrete shaped entities, most preferably di- or tri-hedral shaped entities, which are preferably embedded in a high permittivity medium. More preferably, the reflective entities are comprised in the machined surface of a reflecting substance comprising a polymeric sheet material which is machined to provide an irregular patterned surface. Most preferably, the substrate comprises a textile material in the form of a garment. Reflective material and textile garments according to the invention provide a highly efficient means for the reflection of incident radar radiation and offer significant benefits in terms of the visibility of wearers to drivers of oncoming vehicles in poor and dark light conditions, thereby facilitating a marked improvement in road safety statistics and enhancing search and rescue detection and success rates, especially in severe and inclement weather conditions.

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First Claim