RF & MW properties of PLA/ABS

Can anybody point me to resources for the absorption/reflection/refraction characteristics of PLA and/or ABS at non-visible wavelengths?

I am working on a specific project, but i think this info would be useful to have up on the wiki.

I'm interested in 2.4 Ghz range, for converting a tv dish into a long range high gain wifi antenna, or at least making it easier to do so.

most PLA containers are microwave safe i think, so it's probably transparent at these frequencies (which would be good for me).

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/19/2011 08:28AM by Buback.

I found an interesting article about joining PLA/Sisal "Green Composite" material using microwaves


Feasibility study on microwave joining of green composites

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/20/2011 11:50AM by Buback.

This might also help, if anybody has IEEE access.

Electrical properties of biodegradable polylactic acid film

Since PLA is so heavily dehydrated I would assume that it doesn't absorb much around 2.4 GHz. But if there's no data available, it would be a good idea to test it yourself before committing to something critical.

I downloaded that IEEE article through my university; send me a PM if you need a copy.

The joining study I linked to above has me thinking about using a microwave to weld printed pieces together, instead of using glue. I'll have to try some experiments of my own to see if it works.

Buback Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Can anybody point me to resources for the
> absorption/reflection/refraction characteristics
> of PLA and/or ABS at non-visible wavelengths?
>
> I am working on a specific project, but i think
> this info would be useful to have up on the wiki.
>
>
> I'm interested in 2.4 Ghz range, for converting a
> tv dish into a long range high gain wifi antenna,
> or at least making it easier to do so.
>
> most PLA containers are microwave safe i think,
> so it's probably transparent at these frequencies
> (which would be good for me).

Did it work?