Measurement of Electromagnetic Properties of Polymer Material for Rocket Propulsion Applications at Microwave Frequencies

Abstract

Rapidly growing hybrid rocket propulsion systems has put forth the demand for new thermoplastic materials for fuel. Polymer materials due to their novel mechanical, and chemical properties along with their unique electromagnetic field response, find suitable applications in other domains such as, for the construction of high-frequency circuits, antenna substrate, filters, and in sensor based smart clothing. Electromagnetic field response of Polymer materials at gigahertz (GHz) frequency range is crucial for various research problems and also in the development of electronic products at these frequencies. Polymers with good electromagnetic shielding properties are being developed and explored for use in the GHz frequency range. There is an absolute need for better understanding of interaction of these materials with electromagnetic field at these frequencies.

This article describes the applicability of Cavity perturbation technique to measure the electromagnetic properties of Polymer materials such as Nylon 6 (Semi crystalline Polyamide) over 8 to 12 GHz frequency range. This techniques proved to be extra advantageous due to its sensitivity, simplicity and ease of sample fabrication.