HIREC®: Super Hydrophobic Coating for Antenna, Radome and Other Public Infrastructure

The surface of in-field equipment such as antennas and radar radomes is deteriorated by UV (Ultraviolet wave), and reduces its hydrophobicity and becomes wettable with water. HIREC® recovers the hydrophobicity of the deteriorated surface, and improves it.

Surface Deterioration of Field Equipment

Surface of New FRP

FRPs (fiber reinforced plastics) are used in antennas and radar radomes because of their lightness and toughness. A new FRP commonly is water repellent and has a property of lessening water-film forming on its surface.

Deteriorated Surface of FRP Exposed for One Year in Field

The exposed surface of the FRP, however, is deteriorated by long term UV radiation in the field. The deteriorated surface exposed for one year in the field is show below. The surface loses its hydrophobicity and becomes wet by water.
The surface degradation and deterioration of hydrophobicity not only occurs in FRP, but also occurs in a variety of plastic materials.

HIREC® Coated on Deteriorated FRP Surface

HIREC® recovers the hydrophobicity of the deteriorated surface, and improves it.
The figure below shows the surface coated with HIREC®100 onto the deteriorated FRP shown above.