Extremely low-frequency plasmonic state achieved in AC-ZnO polymer composite for tuned negative permittivity applications

Abstract

Flexible composites with negative permittivity behaviour have generated a lot of attention due to their potential applications in the electromagnetic field and novel capacitance. This work aimed to design and explore surface microstructure-induced negative permittivity flexible composites for their metamaterial properties. The composites were synthesized using poly (methyl methacrylate) or PMMA, activated carbon (AC), and zinc oxide (ZnO) through an in-situ polymerization process. The composite was designed to acquire negative permittivity in the extremely low-frequency regime by increasing the AC and ZnO filling content. The microstructure formation, real permittivity, and ac conductivity of the composites were investigated, and it was observed that the negative permittivity and its magnitude could be controlled by changing the amount of the filler, AC_ ZnO. Flexible composites with suitable permittivity values for ELF applications can create heavy industrial demand.