SEKISUI KYDEX Thermoplastic Sheet for Radomes (Antenna Covers)
For information applicable to KYDEX® FST please refer to 300 series technical briefs.
Introduction
Radomes protect the enclosed antenna from the environment. They also function as protection for antenna during shipment, handling, and installation. Therefore the radome must satisfy both structural requirements and yet be electrically transparent in the antenna’s operating frequency band. This will become especially important as 5G rollouts begin in urban areas around the world, and SEKISUI KYDEX thermoplastics are ready to help make your radome designs a reality.
Transparency to RF
The following properties make SEKISUI KYDEX thermoplastic sheet ideal for use as radome material. The grades that are recommended are KYDEX® 100, KYDEX® 510, ALLEN® 2185HG, ALLEN® and 2185HG with UV film applied.
Frequency Tables
| Grade | 60 Hz | 100 Hz | 1 KHz | 800 MHz | 1 GHz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KYDEX® 100 | K=3.4 DF=0.022 | K=2.9 DF=0.030 | K=3.13 | K=2.5 DF=0.023 | K=2.8 DF=0.013 |
| KYDEX® 510 | K=2.9 DF=0.011 | K=2.9 DF=0.012 | K=2.9 DF=0.009 | K=2.7 DF=0.004 | K=2.7 DF=0.005 |
| Grade | 60 Hz | 100 Hz | 1 KHz | 800 MHz | 1 GHz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALLEN® 2185HG | K=3.1 DF=0.007 | K=3.1 DF=0.007 | K=3.1 DF=0.008 | K=2.7 DF=0.010 | K=2.7 DF=0.009 |
| ALLEN® 2185HG (UV film) | K=3.0 DF=0.006 | K=3.0 DF=0.006 | K=3.0 DF=0.007 | K=2.7 DF=0.007 | K=2.7 DF=0.007 |
| Grade | 1.9 GHz | 2.5 GHz | 5 GHz | 20 GHz | 40 GHz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KYDEX® 100 | K=2.42 | K=2.6 DF=0.011 | K=2.7 DF=0.010 | K=2.7 DF=0.009 | K=2.82 DF=0.014 |
| KYDEX® 510 | K=2.6 DF=0.016 | K=2.6 DF=0.016 | K=2.6 DF=0.016 | K=2.5 DF=0.017 | K=2.8 DF=0.007 |
| Grade | 2 GHz | 2.5 GHz | 5 GHz | 20 GHz | 40 GHz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALLEN® 2185HG | K=2.7 DF=0.008 | K=2.7 DF=0.008 | K=2.7 DF=0.007 | K=2.8 DF=0.007 | K=2.8 DF=0.014 |
| ALLEN® 2185HG (UV film) | – | – | – | – | – |
Note: ALLEN® 2185HG with UV film was only tested from 60Hz to 1GHz, the UV film layer was removed from higher frequency samples due to the sample preparation method.
Low Water Absorption
As opposed to hygroscopic materials such as ABS and fiberglass, KYDEX® sheet is very hydro- phobic (very low water absorption). This is important because the absorption of water can de- grade the antenna’s performance by reducing the transparency to RF.
Long Term UV Resistance
One purpose of the radome is to make it blend in with its environment; to make it less unsightly. Therefore various colours must be available and it must not deteriorate under exposure to the KYDEX® sun. 100 in white and other light colours has very good UV resistance with minimal co- ALLEN® lour shift over time when used outdoors, as well as 2185HG with UV film applied. ClearJet UV coating may also be used to increase the UV resistance of KYDEX® 100. Please see TB 142 UV Spray for more information.
High Impact Resistance
During installation, the cover can take a lot of abuse during handling. The cover must be of a high strength material to withstand this abuse. KYDEX® sheet has one of the highest impact strengths of any polymeric sheet in the industry and is incredibly tough and resilient. This means that it can withstand impacts that would break or shatter most other plastics.
Good Thermoformability
The material must be able to be shaped into the desired three-dimensional shape quickly and easily. SEKISUI KYDEX thermoplastic sheet is extremely easy to thermoform and will form to the deepest draws and with high definition. Special tooling for forming techniques is not necessary for even the most demanding shapes and detail.
Flammability Resistance
KYDEX® 100 and KYDEX® 510 meet UL Standard 94 V-0 flammability resistance, while ALLEN® 2185HG meets UL Standard 94 HB. This can be important in meeting local codes or fire regula- tions. The radome is an important part of the antenna design. It is crucial that the material chosen meet the attributes described above to result in a radome that meets the needs of the designer and functions well over its life span.
Because we cannot anticipate or control the many different conditions under which this information and our products may be used, we do not guarantee the applicability of the accuracy of this information or the suitability of our products in any given situation. Users should conduct their own tests to determine the suitability of each product for their particular purposes. Data in the physical property table represents typical values and are to serve only as a guide for engineering design. Results are obtained from specimens under ideal laboratory conditions. Right to change physical properties as a result of technical progress is reserved. THE PRODUCTS DISCUSSED ARE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN OUR STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE. Buyer assumes all responsibility for loss or damage arising from the handling and use of our products, whether done in accordance with directions or not. In no event shall the supplier or the manufacturer be liable for incidental or consequential damages. Also, statements concerning the possible use of our products are not intended as recommendations to use our products in the infringement of any patent. Consult local code and regulatory agencies for specific requirements regarding code compliance, transporting, processing, recycling and disposal of our product. Product not intended for use as a heat resistant surface. Texture, product grade and other conditions may cause variations in appearance.
This information supersedes all previously published data.