Graphite coating on aluminum

[KB9MZ]

Has anybody tried a graphite coating on their antennas to obtain higher conductivity? And how did it work out?

[NA0AA]

I prefer Dr. Watts' SWR Wax.

Seriously? I'm not sure how you would improve on aluminum or copper. JOOC, how would you get it to stay on?

[W6EM]

Has anybody tried a graphite coating on their antennas to obtain higher conductivity? And how did it work out?

I think as a physicist, you should know better........

OTOH, graphite-loaded silicone grease is often used to coat bare aluminum at interconnection joints to prevent oxidation of the surface.

So, yes, Dr. Know, graphite has been used countless times on aluminum.....with success.

[KB9MZ]

I prefer Dr. Watts' SWR Wax.

Seriously? I'm not sure how you would improve on aluminum or copper. JOOC, how would you get it to stay on?

Well why coat aluminum with copper, because it is more conductive.
I would imagine that you would put it on with distilled water and then spray it
with shellac or conversly reverse the procedure. I haven't done it tho I have heard of silver plating by a ham, which is expensive
Is there a case for using the most conductive material on antennas?

[W6EM]

Well why coat aluminum with copper, because it is more conductive.
I would imagine that you would put it on with distilled water and then spray it
with shellac or conversly reverse the procedure. I haven't done it tho I have heard of silver plating by a ham, which is expensive
Is there a case for using the most conductive material on antennas?

Perhaps if you researched "skin effect" for one. And, at the same time compared the cost component of an all copper conductor to that of electrically equivalent aluminum with an overall outer copper layer.

Two examples come to mind. First, heliax. The center conductor is about 90% aluminum in cross section, 10% copper plated overlay. The benefits of both. Also, in electrical branch circuit wiring, where it is easier and less expensive to terminate, as all aluminum requires more costly splicing and termination methods than does copper clad aluminum.

[WX7G]

Aluminum is very conductive while graphite is not.

The RF conductivity of aluminum is just about the same as copper. Why is this when the DC conductivity is not? The skin depth of aluminum is greater.

[W8JI]

I think it only works on fractals.

[W0BTU]

Has anybody tried a graphite coating on their antennas ...

Just think of the advantages of all that extra loss! At long last, we finally have a design for melting ice off our antennas.

[W0BTU]

On a whim, we had some nitrogen-free aluminum wire (oxygen-free is simply not good enough in this application) sent out and coated with graphene. We then used it to build a Beverage receiving antenna.

As anticipated, the received signal strength was so great that an enormous attenuator pad was required to prevent vaporization of the feedline. ;-)

[KB9MZ]

Aluminum is very conductive while graphite is not.

The RF conductivity of aluminum is just about the same as copper. Why is this when the DC conductivity is not? The skin depth of aluminum is greater.

Now does the above post help or harm amateur radio? Will it deter experimentation in any way with respect to graphite?
You decide