Technology

Micromag is soaring to new heights with our innovative technology, particularly in the realm of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Electromagnetic Flexible Absorbent Materials

Current Market needs requires also flexible Radar Absorbing Materials that can be used upon areas in which neither coating solutions, nor structural composites solutions can be applied. In this sense Micromag portfolio includes bespoke flexible materials tuned to the customer frequency bands of interest. These materials have multiple applications ranging from Radar Cross Section Reduction to Electromagnetic Interference minimization in certain metallic structures, as cavity resonators.

Electromagnetic Interference Reduction

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can range from being a mere inconvenience on TV interferences to become extremely dangerous, as on Commercial Aviation.

EMI problems have been increasing with the proliferation of mobile electronic systems, wireless communication systems, and computer networks. The electromagnetic spectrum is becoming increasingly crowded.

Micromag Technology can be used to reduce or even dismiss these type of interferences. With that objective in mind Micromag develops and delivers from board-level shields and fabric-over-foam gaskets, to finger stock and foam-in-place. All these solutions are tailor developed for specific problems. As such, Micromag cavity resonance technology has been selected in the Ariane 5 satellite tracker Antenna Multiplexer. In conjunction with “ETSI Telecomunicación” de Madrid, Micromag has demonstrated once again its electromagnetic products by successfully eliminating a cavity resonance, and hence dramatically reducing the noise in the electronic circuit around the multiplexer.

Integration into different substrates

Micromag’s technology is based on the use of proprietary made metallic micro fibres with an outer glass coating. Those fibres are mixed with different substrates resulting in a Radar Absorbing Composite material that integrates Micromag technology and absorbs Radar Radiation on tuneable frequency bands. Moreover by absorbing the electromagnetic waves Radar Absorbing Materials (RAM) also minimize electromagnetic interference.

The physical characteristics of the micro fibres (size, shape, low mass and glass coating) allow them to be integrated into many different substrates easily and efficiently. So far, Micromag has successfully produced coatings, glass reinforced materials (epoxies and polyesters), silicones, foams, plastics… Micromag will provide you with a Radar Absorbing Material in the substrate of your choosing.

Micromag added weight of microfibers is in the order of tens of grams. The total weight of the RAM will be determined by the base material and the chosen frequency of maximum attenuation. When the structure provides the sufficient thickness, as glass reinforced products, the added weight is negligible.

Adding Micromag fibers to a base material only changes its electromagnetic properties and the resulting composite will degrade because of the base material but not because of Micromag fibers. Micromag provides a working guarantee of 5 or more years.

The substrates used to produce Micromag Radar Absorbing Materials are chosen to maximize their applicability in the different platforms of interest, and they include:

Radar Absorbing Coatings

Aimed for large platforms, such as Navy Vessels, and can endure extreme weather conditions. The coatings used are Navy approved commercial coatings. Micromag Radar Absorbing Coatings can be applied onto the whole ship providing it with Stealth Technology, whether as an aid to existing shaping geometry or to existing vessels without such technology.

Needless to say, these Radar Absorbing Coatings can be applied onto any surface that needs to be painted and requires a low radar observability and/or minimization of interferences. Micromag can produce these Radar Absorbing Coatings with any paint specified by the customer. Moreover, Micromag ensures that the top coat will be the same as the one used by the customer, and thus, other functionalities (IR, aesthetical finishing, such as, camouflage) are also provided. So, for example, armoured fighting vehicles can be treated with this Stealth Technology, and airport/airfield hangars can be painted with Radar Absorbing Coatings in order to reduce interferences.

Micromag has made an effort to make its Radar Absorbing Coatings easily applicable with existing painting techniques (airless, HVLP or even roller), and Micromag fibers can be mixed with commercially available coatings. Moreover, Micromag provides single or non-harmonic double frequency band absorbing coatings, such that wideband absorption is also achievable.

Radar Absorbing Glass Reinforced Epoxies and Polyestirenes (GRE/GRP)

Micromag Radar Absorbing Materials portfolio also includes Glass Reinforced Epoxies and Polyestirenes (GRE/GRP) Absorbing Materials. These materials can be custom made to customer specifications and any GRE/GRP structure can be constructed with the added functionality of stealthiness. Two examples of these structures are GRE boats, that require RCS reduction, such as, unmanned patrol boats, and wind mills that require interference reduction.

Micromag fibres are integrated in a layer of MAT and delivered to your local facilities for integration into the construction of your structure. It can be treated as any other layer of your construction process, laid on your structure, where necessary, and impregnated with the usual epoxy. If needed Micromag will also provide a back plane in the same manner. Depending on the desired frequency(ies) of maximum attenuation.

Flexible Radar Absorbing Materials

Micromag can also provide Flexible Radar Absorbing Materials to cover those areas that cannot be painted, such as several structures on board of vessels, or those used in terrestrial vehicles and hangars. They are made to fit the structure, protected with high grade canvas, and tuned to the customer’s frequency requirements.

Radar Absorbing Silicones and Flexible Rubber

Radar Absorbing flexible rubber or silicone materials can be used for Electromagnetic Interference Control, where coating is not possible and flexibility is important to cover curved surfaces. Micromag has partnered with several manufacturers that integrate its fibers into these materials producing radar absorbing silicones and rubbers.