Analysis of the electrical and magnetic properties of elastomeric composites and their applicability in small flexible wearable antennas

The aim of the research is to obtain conductive elastomer based composites with different degree of filling and specific properties that are applicable for manufacturing of small flexible wearable antennas. The mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties of the composites based on butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber and conductive carbon black have been determined and the possibilities for their use have been analyzed. It has been found that regarding the requirements for elastomer composites application as substrates in such kind of antennas for the 2.4–2.5 GHz frequency range (in respect to the tensile strength, elasticity, volume resistivity, real part of permittivity and permeability, tangent of dielectric and magnetic losses), the most suitable composites are those containing conductive carbon black at 5–10 phr. The prepared composites have been used as monolayered or multilayered substrates for manufacturing prototypes of small flexible wearable antennas for medical, sport and military applications for the 2.4–2.5 GHz frequency range, which demonstrate reliable performance and meet the requirements of the Federal Communication Commission.