Key facts
- GTechPlasma is developing a graphene-based material to absorb radar waves.
- The material could make drones and military aircraft nearly undetectable by radar.
- The technology aims to reduce an F-16's radar signature to that of a bird.
- GTechPlasma uses a patented plasma technology to produce tailor-made graphene.
- The company is scaling up production with an industrial partner, Plasmaphene.
- Potential applications include coatings and paints for direct application on aircraft and drones.
Portugal is advancing in stealth technology with a novel graphene-based material developed by GTechPlasma, a spin-off from the Institute for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion at Instituto Superior Técnico. This material is engineered to absorb radar waves, potentially rendering drones and military aircraft almost invisible to detection.
Bruno Soares Gonçalves, co-founder of GTechPlasma, explained that the material's primary focus is on absorbing electromagnetic radiation, making it ideal for stealth applications. He highlighted that while the defense sector is the most obvious application, the material also has potential for electromagnetic shielding in other areas. Gonçalves noted the rarity of such solutions, stating that while the U.S. has export-controlled materials for its F-35s, Portugal's development offers a unique 'made in Portugal' alternative.
The graphene is produced using an innovative plasma technology that allows for atomic-level control, enabling tailored properties for various uses, including hydrogen storage and rare earth separation. The company's patented device can produce 40 milligrams of high-quality graphene per minute. GTechPlasma aims to scale up production with industrial partner Plasmaphene, which will industrialize the machine. The company has already supplied 260 grams of the radar-absorbing material to a Portuguese drone manufacturer and plans to develop ready-to-use coatings and paints for direct application by end-users.