Problems 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. Higher RCS means better visibility for radar detection systems.
Conductive coatings are used to shield electrical circuits from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) and reflect incoming signals, and engineers can now use these coatings to help radar systems detect moving objects and improve their visibility.
Treating common plastics and composites with conductive coatings with smooth surfaces helps detection systems such as LIDAR (used in self-driving cars) pick up reflected signals and make moving objects such as bicyclists or skaters more visible.
MG Chemicals customers have been able to apply this coating to tennis ball-sized parts made of PA carbon fiber and achieve consistent RCS values of 15 dBsm, equivalent to up to 19 dBsm, which is higher than bare aluminum.
Conclusion
The conductive coating reflects the signal from its surface to prevent unwanted EMI/RFI transmission.
These reflected signals can be detected by radar systems z.B. Make moving objects more visible in a self-driving car.
Conductive coatings such as MG Chemicals' 842UR contain specially developed silver flakes that give the cured surface both high conductivity and smoothness. With these properties, a constant RCS value of 15 dBsm can be achieved from a distance of 25 m.
Where to buy MG Chemicals 842UR
The product MG Chemicals 843UR is available from Dr. Dietrich Mueller Ltd. MG Chemicals products are available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland from Dr. Dietrich Mueller GmbH.