CHO-SEAL® 1298: Reliable EMI Shielding for Aerospace & Defense Radar Systems

Why EMI Shielding Is Critical in Radar Systems

Radar systems both generate and process powerful radio frequency (RF) signals. Even minor discontinuities between enclosure panels, access doors, or electronic housings can create unwanted EMI leakage paths that reduce shielding effectiveness and compromise overall system performance.

Conductive elastomer gaskets play a critical role by creating an electrically conductive seal between mating metal surfaces while simultaneously protecting electronics from environmental contaminants.

For radar system designers, an effective EMI gasket helps:

• Maintain electrical continuity across enclosure seams
• Reduce RF leakage and unwanted emissions
• Protect sensitive receivers and processors from electromagnetic interference
• Improve overall electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
• Provide long-term environmental sealing in demanding operating conditions

Matrix Technology supplies a complete portfolio of EMI shielding solutions from Parker Chomerics to support aerospace, defense, industrial, and high-reliability electronic applications.

Why Engineers Choose Parker Chomerics CHO-SEAL® 1298

CHO-SEAL® 1298 has been developed to address several common challenges encountered in radar enclosure design.

Reliable EMI Shielding

Silver-plated aluminum particles dispersed throughout the elastomer create a continuous conductive path when compressed between mating conductive surfaces. This helps maintain shielding continuity across enclosure seams, access panels, flanges, and equipment covers.

Environmental Protection

Unlike traditional metal gaskets, CHO-SEAL® 1298 also functions as an environmental seal. Its fluorosilicone binder helps protect electronic assemblies from moisture, contaminants, fuels, oils, and hydraulic fluids commonly encountered in aerospace and defense applications.

Weight-Conscious Material Selection

Weight is always an important consideration in aircraft, UAVs, and other defense platforms. The silver-plated aluminum filler provides excellent electrical conductivity while helping reduce weight compared to heavier conductive filler technologies, making it well suited for applications where both shielding performance and mass are critical design considerations.

Built for Harsh Aerospace & Defense Environments

Standard silicone materials may not provide adequate resistance in environments where exposure to aviation fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and salt fog is expected.

The fluorosilicone binder used in CHO-SEAL® 1298 offers enhanced resistance to:

• Aviation fuels
• Hydraulic fluids
• Lubricating oils
• Salt fog
• Moisture and humidity
• Wide operating temperature ranges

These characteristics make CHO-SEAL® 1298 an excellent choice for:

• Airborne radar systems
• Naval combat electronics
• Military communications equipment
• Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Ground surveillance radar systems
• Missile systems
• Rugged electronic enclosures

Engineering Considerations When Selecting Conductive Elastomer Gaskets

Selecting the right conductive elastomer involves more than simply choosing a shielding material. Engineers should evaluate several design factors before specifying a gasket.

Enclosure Materials

Material compatibility between the gasket and mating enclosure helps minimize the risk of galvanic corrosion while maintaining long-term electrical performance.

Compression Requirements

Proper gasket compression is essential to achieve both effective EMI shielding and environmental sealing without overstressing the material.

Service Accessibility

Radar systems often require periodic maintenance. Conductive elastomer gaskets should maintain their sealing performance after repeated opening and closing of enclosure panels.

Environmental Exposure

Fuel resistance, moisture protection, operating temperatures, vibration, and long-term durability should all be considered during material selection.

Working with Matrix Technology early in the design process helps ensure the selected material aligns with both performance requirements and manufacturing objectives.

Download the CHO-SEAL® 1298 Datasheet

Looking for complete engineering specifications?

Download the official Parker Chomerics CHO-SEAL® 1298 & 1299datasheet for detailed information, including:

• Electrical and shielding performance
• Mechanical properties
• Environmental resistance
• Material specifications
• MIL-DTL-83528 compliance information
• Available molded and extruded configurations
• Ordering information and profile options

Whether you're evaluating conductive elastomer gaskets for a new radar platform or specifying materials for an aerospace or defense enclosure, the datasheet provides the technical information needed to support your design decisions.

Why Choose Parker Chomerics Materials from Matrix Technology

Selecting the right EMI shielding material is only part of the equation. Successful implementation also depends on choosing a supplier that understands your application, manufacturing requirements, and long-term supply needs.

As Parker Chomerics' largest Canadian distributor, Matrix Technology provides customers with access to industry-leading EMI shielding materials backed by responsive technical support and value-added services. Beyond supplying materials, our team works with engineers, procurement specialists, and manufacturers to help identify the right solution for each application.

Matrix Technology can assist with:

• Material selection guidance
• Product sampling and evaluation
• Prototype and production support
• Custom converting and fabrication services
• Coordination with Parker Chomerics application specialists when required

Whether you're designing a new radar platform or upgrading an existing electronic enclosure, Matrix helps streamline the path from concept to production.

Complementary EMI Shielding Solutions

Radar systems often require more than a single shielding material. Depending on enclosure design and system requirements, engineers may combine conductive elastomer gaskets with additional EMI shielding technologies.

Matrix Technology supplies a comprehensive portfolio of Parker Chomerics solutions, including:

• Conductive elastomer gaskets
• Form-In-Place (FIP) gaskets
• Conductive adhesives and epoxies
• Conductive paints and coatings
• Conductive sealants and RTVs
• RF shields and shielding cans
• Cable EMI shielding
• Metal foil tapes
• Microwave absorbers
• EMI ventilation panels
• Electrically conductive plastics

Explore our complete range of EMI shielding solutions to find the right combination of materials for your application.

Key Takeaways

Parker Chomerics CHO-SEAL® 1298 is engineered to help aerospace and defense manufacturers achieve dependable EMI shielding and environmental protection in demanding operating environments.

Key advantages include:

• High-performance EMI shielding for radar and electronic enclosures
• Silver-plated aluminum conductive filler for excellent conductivity with reduced weight
• Fluorosilicone binder for resistance to fuels, oils, moisture, and harsh environmental conditions
• Available in molded and extruded profiles to accommodate a wide range of enclosure designs
• Supports both electromagnetic shielding and environmental sealing with a single material
• Available from Matrix Technology with technical guidance and application support

Contact Matrix Technology

Whether you're specifying conductive elastomer gaskets for a new aerospace program or improving the EMI performance of an existing radar enclosure, Matrix Technology can help.

Our team can assist with product selection, material recommendations, prototype evaluations, and application support to ensure you select the right Parker Chomerics solution for your design.