Constructing flake-like ternary rare earth Pr3Si2C2 ceramic on SiC whiskers to enhance electromagnetic wave absorption properties

Abstract

In this work, flaky-like ternary Pr3Si2C2 was successfully coated in SiC whiskers (SiCw) via a molten salt process to augment the electromagnetic wave absorption (EWA) efficiency and expand the application potential of ternary rare earth silicate (RE3Si2C2) materials. Comprehensive investigations into the phase composition, morphological characteristics, EWA capacity, and corresponding mechanisms of the material were conducted. Furthermore, the electric field distribution is simulated and calculated for both vertical and horizontal incidence of the electromagnetic wave (EMW) on the specimens. Results showed that the incorporation of Pr3Si2C2 coating on SiC whiskers induces the development of heterogeneous interfaces and conductive networks, thereby augmenting polarization loss and conductive polarization, correspondingly enhancing the EWA performance of the material. In synergy with excellent attenuation ability and enhanced impedance matching, the Pr3Si2C2/SiCw composite demonstrates superior EWA performance in comparison to pristine SiCw. The minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of Pr3Si2C2/SiCw composites was achieved −48.117 dB accompanied by the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.04 GHz at a thin thickness of merely 2.71 mm in the frequency range of 2–18 GHz. This research will serve as a valuable reference for the investigation of ternary rare earth ceramic-based EWA material.