Sustainable flexible wearable antenna using rubber substrate for wireless body area networks

Wan Mazri, Wan Mirza Liyana and Mohamad, Sarah Yasmin and Rahimi, Aiman Hakimi and Abdul Malek, Norun Farihah and Islam, Md. Rafiqul and Habaebi, Mohamed Hadi and Mohd. Ramli, Huda Adibah (2026) Sustainable flexible wearable antenna using rubber substrate for wireless body area networks. In: 2025 IEEE 23rd Student Conference on Research and Development (SCOReD), 25-26 November 2025, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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Abstract

The growing demand for flexible antennas in the telecommunications industry has driven the need for compact designs with improved performance. Microstrip antennas are particularly attractive due to their low profile, ease of fabrication, and adaptability. A key challenge in enhancing flexible antennas lies in selecting a suitable substrate. In this work, rubber is proposed as an alternative substrate material because of its flexibility, conductivity, efficiency, ease of fabrication, and water resistance, making it suitable for Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) applications. The proposed antenna operates at 2.4 GHz with a relative permittivity (εr) of 3.0, a frequency commonly used for wearable devices. Two antenna designs, rectangular and circular microstrip patches, were developed, simulated, and analyzed using CST Microwave Studio (CST-MWS). Performance metrics including reflection coefficient, VSWR, gain, directivity, and bandwidth were evaluated under flat and bent conditions of 15°, 30°, 45°, and 90°. Results show that both designs achieved satisfactory performance, demonstrating their robustness and suitability for WBAN applications.

Item Type:	Proceeding Paper (Plenary Papers)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Flexible Antenna, Wearable Antenna, Rubber Substrate, Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN), Antenna Bending Performance
Subjects:	T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering > TK5101 Telecommunication. Including telegraphy, radio, radar, television
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr Sarah Yasmin Mohamad
Date Deposited:	03 Mar 2026 09:40
Last Modified:	03 Mar 2026 12:06
Queue Number:	2026-02-Q2345
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/127661

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