EPS goes high tech A unique high-tech use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) sees this versatile material being used as a component in a microwave radio antenna for broadband wireless connection. A radio antenna This antenna system allows you to plug into a 13-amp socket to connect to the Internet. Signals are sent to the antenna, which would be fixed to the side of a house, it converts them into 'near microwave' signals and then sends them onto the closest mast receiver, which must be within a few kilometres of the house. "The EPS in the antenna works as the dielectric spacer, enabling the product to be a size that is suitable for this purpose — without the EPS you would need 1.5 ft of air," says Jonathan Watson of Plymouth-based, Rosslite. "EPS is the only material that can perform this function efficiently in this kind of equipment." Rosslite worked closely with Nortel Networks to develop the design and concept. Over several months, samples were sent for transmissions tests and then alterations made until finally a perfect result was achieved. "The antenna's EPS components require a highdensity finish and a very tight flatness tolerance, we did a lot of trials using fine bead to ensure that its physical properties are adequate," explains Jonathan Watson. "To achieve that we monitor and adjust the moulding process as it is taking place. In fact, we are beating the manufacturers technical specification with this product and — because it is so unique — we now have a joint patent with Nortel for both the product and the process to make it." The dish can be installed quickly and cheaply as long as there is a mast located near your house and is in widespread use in Latin America, India, Pakistan, Mexico, Chile and Brazil.
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