MAST MF11 | Reticulated Foam RF Absorber

Broadband reticulated foam RF absorber

MAST MF11 is a lightweight, carbon-loaded reticulated polyether foam absorber with gradient loading. It is used to reduce reflections and resonant energy inside shielded enclosures, instrument housings, RF test boxes and similar cavities. Thickness is selected against the target frequency range and the clearance available in the build.

Reflection loss is measured on an NRL arch. See MAST Tech Bulletin 101 and the thickness-specific data sheets below for the laboratory plots. Those plots are laboratory results and are not a room or enclosure certification.

Key features

• Gradient-loaded reticulated foam for broadband absorption
• 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
• Radar cross-section reduction
• Dual-use air filter / EMI absorber where airflow is required

Technical specifications

• Family: MF11 reticulated foam absorber, gradient 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: NRL arch reflection loss (MAST Tech Bulletin 101)

Thickness / SKU

• MF11-0001-00 — 0.375 in (9.5 mm)
• MF11-0002-00 — 0.500 in (12.7 mm)
• MF11-0003-00 — 0.750 in (19.1 mm)
• MF11-0004-00 — 1.000 in (25.4 mm)
• MF11-0005-00 — 1.250 in (31.75 mm)

Performance changes significantly with thickness. Provide the target frequency range and maximum allowable thickness when specifying a grade. MF22 (insertion-loss foam) can be used in some enclosure applications where insertion loss is the better metric than reflectivity.

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 NRL-arch reflection-loss plot for that thickness. Open the sheet for the SKU you are specifying.

PDF: MF11-0001-00 technical data sheet (0.375 in)

PDF: MF11-0002-00 technical data sheet (0.500 in)

PDF: MF11-0003-00 technical data sheet (0.750 in)

PDF: MF11-0004-00 technical data sheet (1.000 in)

PDF: MF11-0005-00 technical data sheet (1.250 in)

PDF: MF11 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.