Preparation and electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics of multifunctional light-weight high titanium slag-based foam geopolymer

Abstract

In this work, a novel multifunctional light-weight high titanium slag (HTS)-based foam geopolymer was fabricated. The physical properties such as compressive strength, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics of HTS-based foam geopolymer composites with different matrix densities and pore structures were investigated. Furthermore, the electromagnetic wave absorbing mechanism and the carbon footprints were elaborated. The results indicated that microwave radiation assistance has greatly shortened the curing time of the foam geopolymer. The HTS-based foam geopolymer incorporated with carbon fibers exhibited favorable electromagnetic waves absorption performance with the lowest reflection loss (RLmin) value of −17.2 dB and a broad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 8.40 GHz within 8–18 GHz frequency, and the CO2 emissions of this geopolymer were significantly reduced than ordinary Portland cement composites.