Electromagnetic and Mechanical Characterization of Iron Reinforced Natural Fiber Composites for Microwave Absorbing Applications

Abstract

The development of the natural fibre-based efficient microwave absorbing composite that provides good tensile properties in addition to electromagnetic properties is still a challenging task. In this work, experimental studies are performed to develop iron-reinforced jute fibre-based novel hybrid microwave absorbing composites. The main objective of this experimental study is to achieve better absorption and wide absorption bandwidth with the acceptable tensile property. Therefore, four samples have been fabricated and tested with constant jute fibre content and distinct iron contents. The electromagnetic parameters (εr and μr) have been measured using the waveguide-based microwave measurement technique. An optimal sample is found to possess good microwave absorption properties at X-band. Further, the fabricated composite is subjected to the tensile test and it has been found to possess an average Young’s modulus value of 9.4 GPa, final failure strain value of 0.08, and an average ultimate tensile strength value of 49 MPa. Scanning electron microscope analysis was used for the tensile tested specimen to predict the internal failure behavior and determine the major modes of failure such as fiber breakage, matrix cracking, and delamination failure. The obtained results reflect the potential of fabricated composite for various strategic applications.