Germanium Coated Kapton® Film

Since 1985 Dunmore Aerospace has been providing material solutions for the space industry. Germanium coated Dupont™ Kapton® film is constructed of a polyimide substrate coated with a thin layer of germanium on one side. Due to its IR transparency properties, it is commonly used as single layer insulation (SLI) for satellite antennas. Germanium coated Kapton® film has a relatively low α / ϵ value and can be used for moderately low to high temperature applications.

Reasons to Choose Germanium Coated Polyimide Film

Satellite antennas often require thermal management materials, but the chosen material cannot interfere with communication to the ground. Since germanium does not attenuate radio waves, it is commonly used on antennas and components near antennas. By selecting germanium coated Kapton® film, engineers can keep antennas from deforming from large orbital temperature swings while maintaining communication with the ground. It offers a relatively low absorptance to emittance and operates over moderately low to high temperature applications, making it well-suited for a wide variety of missions and orbits.

Germanium coated polyimide films is a great choice for:

Satellite SLI and MLI material, especially for antenna cover applications
Moderately low α / ϵ applications
Moderately low to high temperature applications
Non-corrosive environments

Material Properties

Typical outside surface α / ϵ values: 0.63
Operating Temperature: -200°C to 200°C
Thickness 25 μm
RF transparency range: 1150 - 1700 MHz