Abstract: An open mesh material for use as a high performance RF reflective antenna surface and which is formed as a Leno type weave using electrically conductive composite yarns which have a construction for avoiding loose metal-to-metal contacts which generate undesirable passive intermodulation products (PIM). The composite yarns are formed by counter-wrapping stretch resistant nonconductive strands about an insulated metal strand and a stretch resistant nonconductive filler yarn. The insulated metal strand preferably includes a beryllium-copper wire which is encapsulated within a polyamide coating. The woven mesh is coated with a RF energy transparent silicone-based paint to provide additional insulation to the plastic coated wires at the weave junctions and has a surface resistivity sufficiently low to facilitate bleed off of building electro-static charges.

Abstract: An open mesh material for use as a high performance RF reflective antenna surface and which is formed as a Leno type weave using electrically conductive composite yarns which have a construction for avoiding loose metal-to-metal contacts which generate undesirable passive intermodulation products (PIM). The composite yarns are formed by counterwrapping stretch resistant nonconductive strands about an insulated metal strand and a stretch resistant nonconductive filler yarn. The insulated metal strand preferably includes a beryllium-copper wire which is encapsulated within a polyamide coating. The woven mesh is coated with a RF energy transparent silicone-based paint to provide additional insulation to the plastic coated wires at the weave junctions and has a surface resistivity sufficiently low to facilitate bleed off of building electro-static charges.

Abstract: An open mesh material for use as a high performance RF reflective antenna surface and which is formed as a Leno type weave using electrically conductive composite yarns which have a construction for avoiding loose metal-to-metal contacts which generate undesirable passive intermodulation products (PIM). The composite yarns are formed by counter-wrapping stretch resistant nonconductive strands about an insulated metal strand and a stretch resistant nonconductive filler yarn. The insulated metal strand preferably includes a beryllium-copper wire which is encapsulated within a polyamide coating. The woven mesh is coated with a RF energy transparent silicone-based paint to provide additional insulation to the plastic coated wires at the weave junctions and has a surface resistivity sufficiently low to facilitate bleed off of building electro-static charges.