REXOLITE®1422 Polystyrene Sheet rod

Rexolite is a thermoset , rigid and translucent plastic produced by cross linking polystyrene with divinylbenzene.The material is known for its unusually stable electrical properties into the Giga-hertz range. A cross-linked polystyrene copolymer which is rigid , transparent and colourless with outstanding electrical properties , including low dielectric losses up to very high frequencies , and very high radiation resistance. It has good dimensional stability , is easily machined and can be polished to a high optical quality. Compared to normal polystyrene , it is harder and somewhat more temperature resistant .

Rexolite is a rigid , transparent insulating material made by an irradiation cross-linking process .Rexolite is one of the best dielectric materials known with a dissipation factor 200 times better than nylon .

In contrast with other high temperature , ultrahigh frequency dielectrics , Rexolite has the rigidity and ability to resist deformation under load . These characteristics are extremely important where assembled insulators must withstand compression without yielding and loosening over long periods of time .

Rexolite materials are cast in liquid form and cured to make sheets,then ground to size , coated with a patented adhesive polymer and clad in a laminating press . Homogeneous and isotropic electrically as well as radition resistant , they are available clad with electrodeposited or rolled copper on one or both sides .

Because it is cross linked polystyrene,rexolite has excellent machinability and shock resistance when compared to other unreinforced thermoset materials

CHARACTERISTICS OF Rexolite Polystyrene Microwave Plastic

Outstanding Dielectric properties.

Dielectric constant of 2.53 (up to 500GHZ) together with extreme low dissipation factor.

Valuable for microwave lenses, microwave circuitry, antennae, coaxial cable connectors, sound transducers, TV satellite dishes and sonar lenses.

Other uses include non-destructive material testing devices, surveillance equipment, radar windows, radomes and missile guidance system housings. One interesting application is for radar lenses which are used for mapping the earth's surface from fast high-flying aircraft.

High voltage insulators.

Ability to withstand high voltage is important for producing gap switch houses, capacitors and other components. Rexolite® is proven superior over acrylic for dendriting resistance.

Radiation Resistance

Superior to most plastics. Little change in dielectric loss over a wide range of exposures up to 1000M Rads. Has superior resistance to mechanical deterioration by ionizing radiation.

Rigidity and dimensional stability

Rexolite® exhibits no permanent deformation or plastic flow under loads of 10 to 2000 PSI at temperatures of 20 to 125 C. In addition, all castings are stress-free, not requiring any stress relieving prior to, during or after machining.

Self extinguishing

Burn rate of less than 1" per minute.

Optical

Transmission approximately equals to acrylic - (87% visible light, 1" thick). Refraction index 1.59 @ 589 nanometers, 1.604 @ 486 nanometers and 1.585 @ 656 nanometers. Used in combination with acrylic lenses for color correction.

Sound transmitting

Excellent acoustic impedance close to water. Velocity 93x10"/second.

Out Gassing

Negligible. Residual monomer greatly reduced.

Water Absorption

Less than .05 percent. Type 1422 has been immersed in boiling water for 1000 hours without change in dielectric constant.

Machinability

Handles well in all machining operations. Tool configuration is similar to those used on acrylic. Because of high resistance to cold flow and freedom from stress, it is easily machined or laser beam cut to very close tolerances and accuracy of .0001 can be obtained in grinding. Rexolite will not craze, providing sharp tools are used and excessive heat is not generated in polishing.

Chemical resistance

Alkalies, alcohols, aliphatic hydrocarbons and mineral acids have no effect. Aromatic and hydrocarbons cause swelling and should be avoided.

Light weight

Specific gravity of 1.05. Approximately 15 percent lighter than acrylic and less than half of TFE.

Environmentally friendly

Non-hazardous, contains no ingredients harmful to the environment.

Rexolite Sheet Rod : Thermoset cross-linked styrene copolymer. Combination of good physical and excellent electrical properties including low loss and stable dielectric constant makes this material suitable for use in microwave lenses as well as for precision components.

Note: Rexolite 1422 meets requirements of L-P-516A (Type E2) formerly MIL-P-77 (Type E-2)

PROPERTIES

Applications: 

Microwave lenses  

Missile guidance systems 

Microwave circuitry 

Radar windows  

Antennae  

Surveillance equipment  

Coaxial cables 

TV satellite dishes 

Connectors 

Sonar lenses  

Sound transducers 

Radomes 

Non destructive material testing devices