Design, characterization, and electromagnetic performance of a flexible wideband RF antenna using composite materials

Eddiai, Adil and Al Gburi, Ahmed Jamal Abdullah and Douhi, Saïd and Labihi, Salesabil and Lakrit, Soufian and El Achaby, Mounir (2025) Design, characterization, and electromagnetic performance of a flexible wideband RF antenna using composite materials. Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices, 10 (100847). pp. 1-15. ISSN 2468-2284

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Abstract

Traditional microwave and microelectronic technologies typically use metal components for high efficiency, but their rigidity and susceptibility to corrosion limit their suitability for wearable applications. To meet the demand for flexible, high-performance materials in wearable communication systems, this study investigates the use of Poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) combined with calcium- and zirconium-doped barium titanate (BCZT) as a novel substrate for microwave applications. A flexible wideband antenna was developed using a PVDF-HFP/BCZT composite, with BCZT particles enhancing the composite’s thermal stability, crystallinity, and dielectric performance. Conductive fabric was employed for the antenna’s radiating elements, supporting both flexibility and user comfort. The antenna was fabricated via laser cutting and tested in free space and on a human body model, achieving a resonant frequency of 5.94 GHz, a return loss of − 48.32 dB, and a wide bandwidth of 5.10–6.40 GHz, with VSWR below 2 and a radiation efficiency of 60%. Specific absorption rate (SAR) testing with a multilayer human tissue model yielded values of 1.22 W/kg (1g) and 0.366 W/kg (10g), in compliance with international safety standards. Experimental results closely aligned with simulations, demonstrating the potential of PVDF-HFP/BCZT-based antennas as eco-friendly, high-performance solutions for wearable technologies, achieving an effective balance between flexibility and efficiency.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Flexible antennas, Specific absorption rate (SAR), Dielectric properties, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Radiation efficiency, Antenna testing, Wearable technologies, Smart composite
Divisions: Faculty Of Electronics And Computer Technology And Engineering
Depositing User: Norfaradilla Idayu Ab. Ghafar
Date Deposited: 03 Feb 2026 06:57
Last Modified: 03 Feb 2026 06:57
URI: http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/29486
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