Integrated Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Microstrip Patch Antennas

A carbon fiber microstrip patch antenna is presented, constructed entirely from fiber-reinforced plastic materials, and fabricated directly into carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites as part of the composite manufacturing process. Fabrication of antennas as part of the composite manufacturing process provides numerous benefits, such as conformation to complex curvatures, reduced weight, and reduced aerodynamic impact. Modification of the localized conductivity of the carbon fiber using materials such as copper meshes is shown to improve the gain of the antenna by as much as 5 dB, while also improving the interlaminar shear strength of the composite by 22%.