A layer structure of an antenna radome body capable of self-cleaning

Abstract

The utility model belongs to belong to the technical field of composite material and radome, specifically relate to a layer structure of radome body can carry out self -cleaning, the utility model discloses from top to bottom is sequentially arranged first skin layer, honeycomb interlayer, second skin layer and polyvinyl fluoride film layer. The utility model is through the synergic design of micro - nano composite structure and low surface energy material, constructs the self -cleaning surface skin layer with super - hydrophobic, high wave -transmitting, weather resistance. The utility model is more traditional fluorocarbon coating for wave -transmitting rate 60~70%, promotes 25% or above, signal transmission loss reduces significantly, satisfies the strict requirement of radome wave -transmitting performance. The utility model can save traditional radome 80% or above cleaning cost, especially to high altitude, complex structure radome, need not rely on high altitude operation or special equipment, reduces maintenance safety risk. The utility model can reduce the replacement frequency of radome due to coating aging, abrasion, and the overall life cycle cost of equipment is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of composite materials and radome technology, specifically relating to a layered structure of a self-cleaning radome. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of wireless communication technology, radomes, as key components protecting antenna systems from environmental corrosion, directly affect signal transmission quality. Traditional large radomes often use wave-transparent materials such as fiberglass and polycarbonate, but these materials reveal significant drawbacks in practical applications. First, their surfaces easily attract dust, snow, or rainwater, especially in humid, dusty, or high-salt-spray environments, where contaminants adhering to the radome surface lead to decreased wave transmittance. Second, conventional cleaning methods (such as manual wiping or high-pressure water guns) are not only costly to maintain but also difficult to implement at high altitudes or in harsh environments. Furthermore, icing on the radome surface in low-temperature regions further exacerbates signal distortion.

[0003] To improve self-cleaning performance, existing technologies attempt to introduce hydrophobic coatings onto the material surface. However, their static contact angle is only 120°–130°, and the roll-off angle is greater than 30°, failing to effectively roll off water droplets. Furthermore, the coatings lack sufficient wear resistance. Another approach enhances hydrophobicity through micron-sized components, but this process is complex and costly. More importantly, existing superhydrophobic coatings often exhibit poor compatibility with wave-transparent materials; for example, excessive nanoparticle doping can lead to abrupt changes in the dielectric constant, resulting in a decrease in high-frequency transmittance. Therefore, achieving long-term durability of superhydrophobic surfaces while maintaining high transmittance remains a challenge for radome technology. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a layered structure for a self-cleaning antenna radome.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A self-cleaning antenna radome layer structure includes, from top to bottom, a first skin layer, a honeycomb interlayer, a second skin layer, and a polyvinyl fluoride film layer; the surface of the first skin layer is coated with a modified layer.

[0007] The honeycomb interlayer is made of polymethacrylimide, polyurethane foam, or aramid paper honeycomb.

[0008] The thickness of the honeycomb interlayer is 2mm to 10mm.

[0009] The density of the honeycomb interlayer is 40–80 kg / m³. 3 .

[0010] Both the first and second skin layers are formed by curing epoxy resin glass fiber prepreg or cyanate ester glass fiber prepreg.

[0011] The molding thickness of the first or second skin layer is 0.2 to 0.25 mm.

[0012] The molding density of the first or second skin layer is 360±10g / m³. 2 .

[0013] The surface of the first skin layer after the epoxy resin glass fiber prepreg or cyanate ester glass fiber prepreg has been cured is coated with a modified layer.

[0014] The thickness of the modified layer is 20–100 μm.

[0015] The polyvinyl fluoride film layer has a thickness of 20-30 μm and a density of 40-45 g / m³. 2 .

[0016] Beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. This invention significantly reduces signal transmission loss, meeting the stringent requirements for the wave transmission performance of radomes. Simultaneously, the self-cleaning function eliminates over 80% of the cleaning costs associated with traditional radomes, especially for high-altitude, complex-structure radomes, eliminating the need for high-altitude operations or special equipment and reducing maintenance safety risks.

[0018] 2. This invention eliminates the need for complex processes such as vacuum coating and photolithography, making it suitable for large-scale industrial production. The overall weather resistance and mechanical strength of the radome are improved, reducing the frequency of replacements due to coating aging and wear, thus lowering the overall lifecycle cost of the equipment.

[0019] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the preferred embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0022] In the figure: 1. First skin layer; 2. Honeycomb interlayer; 3. Second skin layer; 4. Polyvinyl fluoride film layer; 5. Modified layer. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0024] Example 1:

[0025] according to Figure 1 The layered structure of a self-cleaning radome shown includes a first skin layer 1, a honeycomb interlayer 2, a second skin layer 3, and a polyvinyl fluoride film layer 4 arranged sequentially from top to bottom; the surface of the first skin layer 1 is coated with a modified layer 5.

[0026] In some embodiments, the honeycomb interlayer 2 is made of polymethacrylamide, polyurethane foam, or aramid paper honeycomb. The thickness of the honeycomb interlayer 2 is 2mm to 10mm, and its density is 40 to 80 kg / m³. 3 .

[0027] In practical applications, thickness simulations can be performed for different products, and the thickness of the honeycomb interlayer 2 can be selected as 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, or 10mm, etc. The density of the honeycomb interlayer 2 can be selected as 40kg / m³. 3 50kg / m 3 60kg / m 3 70kg / m 3 Or 80kg / m 3 Equivalent.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first skin layer 1 and the second skin layer 3 are both formed by curing epoxy resin glass fiber prepreg or cyanate ester glass fiber prepreg. The molding thickness of the first skin layer 1 or the second skin layer 3 is 0.2–0.25 mm; the molding density of the first skin layer 1 or the second skin layer 3 is 360 ± 10 g / m³. 2 .

[0029] In practical applications, thickness simulations can be performed based on different products, selecting the forming thickness of the first skin layer 1 or the second skin layer 3 as 0.2mm, 0.21mm, 0.22mm, 0.23mm, 0.24mm, or 0.25mm, etc. The density of the honeycomb interlayer 2 can be selected as 40kg / m³. 3 50kg / m 3 60kg / m 3 70kg / m 3 Or 80kg / m 3 Equivalent.

[0030] In some embodiments, the surface of the first skin layer 1 after the epoxy resin glass fiber prepreg or cyanate ester glass fiber prepreg is cured is coated with a modified layer 5; the thickness of the modified layer 5 is 20-100 μm.

[0031] In actual use, thickness simulations are performed for different products, and the thickness of the modified layer is selected as 20μm, 30μm, 40μm, 50μm, 60μm, 70μm, 80μm, 90μm, 100μm, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, the polyvinyl fluoride film layer 4 has a thickness of 20-30 μm and a density of 40-45 g / m³. 2 .

[0033] In actual use, thickness simulation is performed according to different products, and the thickness and density of the polyvinyl fluoride film layer 4 are selected within its range.

[0034] The self-cleaning principle of this invention is as follows:

[0035] When the radome structure is exposed to rain and snow, the micro-nano composite structure in modified layer 5, in collaboration with low surface energy materials, creates a self-cleaning surface that combines superhydrophobicity, high wave transmission, and weather resistance. The glass microparticles in modified layer 5 provide a micron-level framework, while silica nanoparticles create nanoscale roughness, significantly improving hydrophobicity (contact angle > 155°, roll-off angle < 5°). This structure effectively traps air to form an air cushion, reducing the direct contact area between water droplets and the surface, thus achieving self-cleaning and lowering the safety risks associated with radome maintenance and the overall lifecycle cost of the equipment.

[0036] Example 2:

[0037] Based on Example 1, this example provides a layered structure for a self-cleaning radome. The specific implementation method for modifying the surface of the first skin layer 1 by applying a coating is as follows:

[0038] I. Preparation of Superhydrophobic Powder

[0039] Step 1: Immerse glass fibers with a diameter of 1-10 μm completely in a solution of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide in a volume ratio of 7:3 for 2 hours, then wash with deionized water and dry.

[0040] Step 2: Disperse 5g of carbon fiber in 100g of ethanol-water mixture, with a volume ratio of ethanol to water of 1:1. Add 2g of tetraethoxysilane with a mass fraction of ≥99.9% and 10g of ammonia with a mass fraction of 25%. After mechanical stirring for 24h, a silica coating layer is formed.

[0041] Step 3: Add 1g of perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane to the mixture from Step 2, continue stirring for 12 hours, and then centrifuge and dry to obtain superhydrophobic powder.

[0042] II. Coating Application

[0043] Ingredient preparation: Dissolve 8g of cyanate ester resin, 2g of curing agent, and 5g of superhydrophobic powder in 100g of ethyl acetate solution with a mass fraction of ≥99.5%, and ultrasonically disperse for 30 minutes.

[0044] In this embodiment, the curing agent used is dicyandiamide or polyetheramine.

[0045] Spraying process: The coating is evenly sprayed onto the surface of the radome using a high-pressure spray gun (pressure 0.3MPa), and cured at room temperature for 24 hours to form a coating with a thickness of about 20 to 100μm.

[0046] Example 3

[0047] Based on Example 1, this example provides a layered structure for a self-cleaning radome, wherein the polyvinyl fluoride film has a thickness of 20-30 μm and a density of 40-45 g / m³. 2 .

[0048] The fluoroethylene film, commercially known as Tedlar film, has excellent weather resistance and chemical stability, allowing the radome to maintain a service life of up to decades, reducing maintenance costs and replacement frequency.

[0049] Antenna radome manufacturing process:

[0050] Step 1): After heating the mold to 50°C, apply a release agent to the surface, and then lay the first skin layer 1 on the surface of the mold;

[0051] Step 2): Lay the honeycomb interlayer 2 on the first skin layer 1;

[0052] Step 3): Lay the adhesive film and the second skin layer 3 on the honeycomb interlayer 2;

[0053] Step 4): Lay a Tedlar film, i.e., a polyvinyl fluoride film layer 4, on the second skin layer 3;

[0054] Step 5) Using the autoclave molding process, place the polyvinyl fluoride film layer 4 on the vacuum bag surface. The process conditions are: first, keep it at 80℃ for 30 minutes, then raise the temperature to 120℃ and keep it for 90 minutes, with a pressure of 0.15MPa; after cooling to below 60℃, demold.

[0055] Step 6): Immerse the glass fiber in a solution of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide in a volume ratio of 7:3 for 2 hours, wash with deionized water and then dry.

[0056] Step 7): Disperse 5g of carbon fiber in 100g of ethanol-water mixture, with a volume ratio of ethanol to water of 1:1. Then, add 2g of tetraethoxysilane with a mass fraction of ≥99.9% and 10g of ammonia with a mass fraction of 25%. After mechanical stirring for 24h, a silica coating layer is formed.

[0057] Step 8): Add 1g of perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane to the mixture from Step 7, continue stirring for 12h, and then centrifuge and dry to obtain superhydrophobic powder;

[0058] Step 9): Dissolve 8g of cyanate ester resin, 2g of dicyandiamide as curing agent, and 5g of superhydrophobic powder in 100g of ethyl acetate solution with a mass fraction ≥99.5%, and ultrasonically disperse for 30 minutes for later use.

[0059] Step 10): Use a high-pressure spray gun (pressure 0.3MPa) to evenly spray the coating onto the non-Tedlar film surface of the radome, and cure at room temperature for 24 hours to form a coating with a thickness of about 50μm.

[0060] Where there is no conflict, those skilled in the art can combine the relevant technical features in the above examples according to the actual situation to achieve the corresponding technical effects. Specific details of the various combinations will not be elaborated here.

[0061] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0062] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this utility model is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0063] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Any simple modifications, equivalent variations, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A layered structure for a self-cleaning antenna radome, characterized in that: It includes a first skin layer (1), a honeycomb interlayer (2), a second skin layer (3), and a polyvinyl fluoride film layer (4) arranged sequentially from top to bottom; the surface of the first skin layer (1) is coated with a modified layer (5).

2. The layered structure of a self-cleaning radome as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The honeycomb interlayer (2) is made of polymethacrylimide, polyurethane foam or aramid paper honeycomb.

3. The layered structure of a self-cleaning radome as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The thickness of the honeycomb interlayer (2) is 2mm to 10mm.

4. The layered structure of a self-cleaning radome as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The density of the honeycomb interlayer (2) is 40-80 kg / m³. 3 .

5. The layered structure of a self-cleaning radome as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first skin layer (1) and the second skin layer (3) are both formed by curing epoxy resin glass fiber prepreg or cyanate ester glass fiber prepreg.

6. The layered structure of a self-cleaning radome as described in claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: The molding thickness of the first skin layer (1) or the second skin layer (3) is 0.2 to 0.25 mm.

7. The layered structure of a self-cleaning radome as described in claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: The molding density of the first skin layer (1) or the second skin layer (3) is 360±10g / m³. 2 .

8. The layered structure of a self-cleaning radome as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The surface of the first skin layer (1) after the epoxy resin glass fiber prepreg or cyanate ester glass fiber prepreg is coated with a modified layer (5).

9. The layered structure of a self-cleaning radome as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The thickness of the modified layer (5) is 20-100 μm.

10. The layered structure of a self-cleaning radome as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The polyvinyl fluoride film layer (4) has a thickness of 20-30 μm and a density of 40-45 g / m³. 2 .

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