New microwave absorber material reduces electromagnetic radiation in high-frequency applications

The Chomerics Division of Parker Hannifin introduces its CHO-MUTE 9009 microwave absorber material. Comprising a silicone elastomer matrix with a carbon filler, the material provides RF absorption performance at a high-frequency range. For instance, the material can achieve 50dB/cm of absorption at 77GHz, a standard frequency used in the automotive industry for applications such as ADAS.

The material not only offers a user-friendly approach to reducing undesirable electromagnetic radiation from electronic equipment, but it also minimises cavity-to-cavity cross-coupling and microwave cavity resonances. As well as the automotive industry, further sectors that can take advantage of this innovative absorber material include defence/commercial radar, telecommunications equipment and general RF testing.

By decreasing unwanted electromagnetic radiation via the absorption of signals and reducing reflections from metallic surfaces, the material is suited for use in close quarters with electronic circuitry. The material delivers electrical properties that include a surface resistance of >1MOhm/square (CEPS-002 test method); bulk volume resistivity of >1MOhm-cm (CEPS-002); 1.05 magnetic permeability (ASTM D2520); 0.001 magnetic loss tangent (ASTM D2520); electric permittivity of 10 (ASTM D2520); and 0.08 dielectric loss tangent (ASTM D2520).

The material is supplied as sheet stock at a selection of standard thicknesses with or without electrically conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive. Various fabricating techniques are also obtainable for custom part manufacturing, including moulded profiles or die-cut/waterjet-cut (no abrasive) shapes.

The material is flexible, making it straightforward to cut and convert for use in the empirical testing of absorption solutions.