Abstract—Flexible antennas are considered a key enabling technology for next-generation wireless systems, particularly for emerging Sixth-Generation (6G) applications that demand compact, conformal, and mechanically deformable structures. The study presents the design and comparative analysis of a microstrip patch antenna operating at 3 THz, implemented on two polymer substrates: Polyimide (PI) and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The antenna performance is investigated using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio under flat and bent configurations to evaluate its electromagnetic stability under mechanical deformation. The evaluation considers key performance parameters, including return loss (S₁₁), Bandwidth (BW), Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR), realized gain (G_r), radiation efficiency (n_rad), radiation characteristics, and surface current distribution. Bending conditions of 5°, 10°, and 15° are applied across the patch width to simulate realistic deformation scenarios for flexible 6G applications. Simulation results demonstrate that both designs maintain stable electromagnetic performance under bending conditions, with negligible variations in resonance behavior. The PI-based antenna exhibits superior impedance matching, wider bandwidth stability, and improved VSWR performance under deformation, whereas the Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based design achieves higher realized gain due to its lower dielectric loss. Radiation efficiency remains consistently stable for both substrates, confirming their suitability for flexible THz applications. The findings highlight the suitability of polymer-based substrates for flexible THz antenna applications and provide practical design insights for selecting appropriate materials in future 6G conformal systems.

Cite: Salem A. Almazok, "A Poly-flex Microstrip Patch Antenna for 6G Applications: Design and Performance Analysis under Bending Impact," International Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering & Telecommunications, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 243-255, 2026. doi: 10.18178/ijeetc.15.4.243-255

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