MAST MF22 | Lossy Foam RF Absorber

Broadband lossy foam RF absorber

MAST MF22 is a lightweight, carbon-loaded polyether foam absorber with constant loading. It is specified for insertion loss through the material, rather than reflectivity off a metal backing. Typical uses include antenna isolation, cavity attenuation, EMI reduction and dual-use air-filter / absorber layers where airflow is required.

Insertion loss is measured in a transmission-tunnel set-up. See MAST Tech Bulletin 103 and the thickness-specific data sheets below for the laboratory plots. Those plots are laboratory results and are not a room or enclosure certification. MF22 can still be used in shielded-enclosure work where insertion loss is the better metric than reflectivity.

Key features

• Constant-loaded lossy foam for broadband insertion loss
• Lightweight and easy to cut to size
• Optional 0.005 in pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) backing — order suffix 01
• RoHS compliant and halogen free
• Can be die-cut or CNC-cut; do not hot-wire, laser or grind

Typical applications

• Antenna pattern control, sidelobe and backlobe reduction
• Resonant cavity attenuation and EMI reduction
• Rx/Tx antenna isolation
• Dual-use air filter / EMI absorber

Technical specifications

• Family: MF22 lossy foam absorber, constant loading
• Colour: black
• Operating temperature: −60°F to 250°F (−51°C to 121°C)
• Standard sheet size: 24 × 24 in (610 × 610 mm)
• Formats: sheets, die-cut, kiss-cut pads
• Adhesive option: none (SKU suffix 00) or 0.005 in / 0.12 mm PSA (suffix 01)
• Electrical test method: transmission-tunnel insertion loss (MAST Tech Bulletin 103)

Thickness / SKU

• MF22-0001-00 — 0.125 in (3.2 mm)
• MF22-0002-00 — 0.250 in (6.4 mm)
• MF22-0003-00 — 0.500 in (12.7 mm)
• MF22-0009-00 — 1.000 in (25.4 mm)

Performance changes significantly with thickness. Provide the target frequency range and maximum allowable thickness when specifying a grade.

Installation

Bond to a clean, dry, oil-free conductive surface using PSA or transfer adhesive. Vertical and overhead installs should be checked for absorber weight, substrate, environment and adhesive strength. Any facing, encapsulation or edge treatment should be reviewed, because it can change RF performance.

Cut with a steel-rule die or CNC. Heat, laser, hot-wire cutting and grinding can burn the foam and should not be used. Off-cuts are disposed of in accordance with local requirements. See the series SDS for handling.

Documents and test data

Each technical data sheet includes the insertion-loss plot for that thickness. The family chart on this listing covers MF22-0001-00, MF22-0002-00 and MF22-0003-00. Open the 1.000 in sheet for MF22-0009-00.

PDF: MF22-0001-00 technical data sheet (0.125 in)

PDF: MF22-0002-00 technical data sheet (0.250 in)

PDF: MF22-0003-00 technical data sheet (0.500 in)

PDF: MF22-0009-00 technical data sheet (1.000 in)

PDF: MF22 series safety data sheet

Aus Security Products personnel are not certified engineers and can only provide general support. This information should not be relied on or implemented in place of advice from a specialist consultant, RF engineer, electrician or other qualified technician. Manufacturer data sheets are based on laboratory testing and are not intended for design purposes. Each project is different. Confirm frequency range, thickness, substrate, adhesive and installation method for the specific enclosure or room. Your own testing for suitability will need to be carried out.