Sabic Innovative Plastics has developed plastics compounds that outperform ceramics and printed circuit boards in antennas for data transmission base stations.
Sabic customizes a range of its engineering polymers to provide the right balance of dielectric properties needed in this application. Antenna components such as phase shifters require specific dielectric properties that depend on the radio frequency signal strength and range. Sabic tailors its materials to match the requirements.
The new compounds in Sabic's Thermocomp portfolio deliver the low friction needed in phase-shifter moving parts. Dimensional stability, flame resistance and stable dielectric properties also help the new materials perform in the field.
“Because these are thermoplastic materials, they can provide greater design flexibility and higher manufacturing yield than traditional materials such as ceramics and printed circuit boards, in addition to meeting specific signal strength or signal range objectives,” explains Sabic IP's director of consumer electronics technology and innovation Alan Tsai.
Sabic IP combines its compounding expertise and base resins to make the new Thermocomp products. It can use its own polycarbonate and polyphenylene oxide engineering resins or high density polyethylene as raw materials to be mixed with appropriate additives to yield the specialized compounds.
Sabic IP's U.S. office is in Pittsfield, Mass.
Tel. 413-448-7110, email [email protected]