Rexolite®unique cross linked polystyrene microwave plastic

rexolite® is a unique cross-linked Polystyrene, microwave plastic manufactured by C-Lec Plastics Inc. This material’s most notable properties are it’s stable electrical properties into the Giga-hertz frequency range. It is also optically clear, with a slight yellow cast, when polished (approximately the same as acrylic), dimensionally stable, and has excellent sound transmission characteristics.

As a result, Rexolite® is often used for high-frequency circuit substrates, microwave components, and lenses with acoustic, optical and radio-frequency application.

Outstanding Dielectric properties.

Dielectric constant of 2.53 (up to 500GHZ) together with extreme low dissipation factor.

Valuable for microwave lenses, microwave circuitry, antennae, coaxial cable connectors, sound transducers, TV satellite dishes and sonar lenses.

Other uses include non-destructive material testing devices, surveillance equipment, radar windows, radomes and missile guidance system housings. One interesting application is for radar lenses which are used for mapping the earth's surface from fast high-flying aircraft.

High voltage insulators.

Ability to withstand high voltage is important for producing gap switch houses, capacitors and other components. Rexolite® is proven superior over acrylic for dendriting resistance.

Radiation Resistance

Superior to most plastics. Little change in dielectric loss over a wide range of exposures up to 1000M Rads. Has superior resistance to mechanical deterioration by ionizing radiation.

Rigidity and dimensional stability

Rexolite® exhibits no permanent deformation or plastic flow under loads of 10 to 2000 PSI at temperatures of 20 to 125 C. In addition, all castings are stress-free, not requiring any stress relieving prior to, during or after machining.

Self extinguishing

Burn rate of less than 1" per minute.

Optical

Transmission approximately equals to acrylic - (87% visible light, 1" thick). Refraction index 1.59 @ 589 nanometers, 1.604 @ 486 nanometers and 1.585 @ 656 nanometers. Used in combination with acrylic lenses for color correction.

Sound transmitting

Excellent acoustic impedance close to water. Velocity 93x10"/second.

Out Gassing

Negligible. Residual monomer greatly reduced.

Water Absorption

Less than .05 percent. Type 1422 has been immersed in boiling water for 1000 hours without change in dielectric constant.

Machinability

Handles well in all machining operations. Tool configuration is similar to those used on acrylic. Because of high resistance to cold flow and freedom from stress, it is easily machined or laser beam cut to very close tolerances and accuracy of .0001 can be obtained in grinding. Rexolite will not craze, providing sharp tools are used and excessive heat is not generated in polishing.

Chemical resistance

Alkalies, alcohols, aliphatic hydrocarbons and mineral acids have no effect. Aromatic and hydrocarbons cause swelling and should be avoided.

Light weight

Specific gravity of 1.05. Approximately 15 percent lighter than acrylic and less than half of TFE.

Environmentally friendly

Non-hazardous, contains no ingredients harmful to the environment.

Rexolite 1422: Thermoset cross-linked styrene copolymer. Combination of good physical and excellent electrical properties including low loss and stable dielectric constant makes this material suitable for use in microwave lenses as well as for precision components.

Note: Rexolite 1422 meets requirements of L-P-516A (Type E2) formerly MIL-P-77 (Type E-2)

REXOLITE APPLICATIONS

Typical Rexolite® applications include:

Microwave lenses

Microwave circuitry

Antennae

Coaxial cable connectors

Sound transducers

TV satellite dishes

Sonar lenses

Non-destructive material testing devices

Surveillance equipment

Radar windows

Radomes

Missile guidance system housings

Rexolite® 1422 Sheet Size

Rexolite® 1422 Rod Size