Paul C Rowe

US Patent:

60437693, Mar 28, 2000

Filed:

Jul 23, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/121293

Inventors:

Paul E. Rowe - Mashpee MA
Michael T. Kocsik - Sherborn MA

Assignee:

Cuming Microware Corporation - Avon MA

International Classification:

H01Q 1700
B32B 512

US Classification:

342 4

Abstract:

An absorber includes a plurality of shredded foam particles and a plurality of fiber whiskers. The fiber whiskers are interspersed among, and attach to the shredded foam particles to create a foam-fiber mixture. A curable adhesive is added to the foam-fiber mixture and the cured mixture is molded to form the radar absorber. The fiber whiskers are less than about two weight percent of the absorbers. The foam particles are preferably formed by shredding scrap foam. The particles are generally irregularly shaped and the size of the particles can be expressed as having a mean size of about 1/8" to 1" diameter, although the particles are not necessarily spherical. The fibers are about 1/8" to 3/4" in length and have a diameter of about 7. 3 microns. To form the absorber, shredded foam particles are mixed with fiber whiskers, and the fiber whiskers attach themselves to the surface of the shredded foam particles. The mixing is preferably driven by turbulent air which causes the fiber whiskers to attach to the shredded foam.