Satellite Antenna

Matrix Material Filler Material

Fibers
Epoxy Resin Carbon: Glass: Ceramics
Phenolic Resin offer high strength affordable and good Nanoparticles
Polyester, Polyimide and low weight dielectric properties Microspheres

provides structural support and provide added strength and Modify properties such as thermal
protects the Fiber reinforcement stiffness to the antenna structure conductivity & reduce the density

Required properties of constituent materials

- Mechanical strength: The materials should have sufficient strength and stiffness to withstand the mechanical loads
experienced during launch and in orbit.
- Thermal stability: Satellite antennas undergo extreme temperature variations in space, so the materials should have good
thermal stability to prevent damage or deformation.
- Low dielectric loss: The materials should have low electrical conductivity and dielectric loss to minimize signal losses
during transmission or reception.
- Light weight: Weight reduction is crucial in satellite design to minimize launch costs, so materials with high strength-to-
weight ratios are preferred.
 Resin transfer molding (RTM): Vacuum infusion:
This technique involves injecting liquid resin Vacuum is applied to Mold containing dry
into a mold containing the fiber reinfor- Possible Fiber reinforcement, and then resin is drawn
cement, ensuring uniform distribution of manufacturing into the Mold under vacuum, impregnating
resin throughout the composite structure. the Fibers.
techniques

Automated Fiber placement: Filament winding:

This method uses robotic systems to It involves winding continuous Fiber
accurately lay down continuous Fiber tapes filaments onto a rotating mandrel and
or tows onto a Mold, followed by resin subsequently impregnating them with resin.
infusion.

Any better alternative to existing materials

Advanced composite materials like carbon nanotubes or graphene-based composites

Advantages over existing material:

1) These innovative materials possess remarkable mechanical properties, including exceptional strength, stiffness, and
notable lightweight properties.
2) They also exhibit excellent thermal and electrical conductivity properties, which can be advantageous for satellite
antennas.