This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
3D-Printed Antenna Design Using Graphene Filament and Copper Tape for High-Tech Air Components
Abstract:
Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies can produce lighter parts; reduce manual
assembly processes; reduce the number of production steps; shorten the
production cycle; significantly reduce material consumption; enable the
production of prostheses, implants, and artificial organs; and produce end-user
products since it is used in many sectors for many reasons; it has also started
to be used widely, especially in the field of aerospace. In this study,
polylactic acid (PLA) was preferred for the antenna substrate because it is
environmentally friendly, easy to recycle, provides convenience in production
design with a three-dimensional (3D) printer, and is less expensive compared to
other available materials. Copper (Cu) tape and graphene filament were employed
for the antenna patch component due to their benefits. The comprehensive
comparative analysis between a full-wave model and a 3D-printed prototype of the
antenna via the CST Microwave Studio program was demonstrated here. The surface
characterization was achieved with scanning electron microscope and energy
dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis. The
homogeneous Cu and oxidized graphene (GO) were detected. The weight percent of
carbon (C) and oxygen (O) on the graphene surface was 59.82% and 40.18%,
respectively. The Cu (111), Cu (200), and Cu (220) peaks were determined on the
Cu tape. The GO (011) peak was seen in the XRD spectra of the graphene sheet.
The simulation and measurement comparisons are quite satisfactory. The antennas,
produced using a conventional 3D printer, will be beneficial for various
applications in aeronautics and astronautics.