MG Chemicals: Problem solving with 842UR
problem in the automotive industry
Radar Cross Section (RCS) is a measure of the portion of an object's surface that can be detected by radar. A higher RCS means better visibility for radar detection systems.
Conductive paints, used to shield circuits from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI), reflect incoming signals, which engineers can now use to help radar systems detect moving objects and improve their visibility.
Treating common plastics and composites with electrically conductive coatings that have a smooth surface helps detection systems like LIDAR (used in autonomous vehicles) pick up reflected signals, making moving objects like cyclists or skaters more visible.
One of MG Chemicals' customers needed to find a product that could achieve a high RCS (measured in decibels per square meter, or dBsm) at distances of up to 50m for a small nylon carbon fiber part mounted on a bike.
Main requirements for problem solving
- High electrical conductivity
- Smooth surface
- Good adhesion to a wide range of substrates, e.g. B. Nylon carbon fiber
Troubleshooting with 842UR
MG Chemicals 842UR is a 1-component, electrically conductive coating that adheres to a wide range of substrates.
It uses a specially designed silver flake with a high aspect ratio (large surface area to thickness ratio) to achieve a very smooth cured film that can be applied very thinly (about 8 microns).
The MG Chemicals customer was able to apply this coating to a PA carbon fiber part the size of a tennis ball and achieve consistent RCS values of 15 dBsm, with measurements up to 19 dBsm, which is higher than bare aluminum.
Conclusion
Electrically conductive coatings reflect signals off their surface to prevent unwanted transmission of EMI/RFI.
These reflected signals can be detected by radar systems such. B. in autonomous vehicles, to make moving objects more visible.
Electrically conductive coatings such as MG Chemicals' 842UR contain a specially developed silver flake that makes the cured surface both highly conductive and smooth. With these properties, constant RCS values of 15 dBsm can be achieved from a distance of 25 m.
Where to buy MG Chemicals 842UR
The product MG Chemicals 843UR can be purchased from Dr. Dietrich Müller GmbH. MG Chemicals products are available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland from Dr. Dietrich Müller GmbH available.
