Synthesis and microwave absorption properties of carbon coil–carbon fiber hybrid materials

Abstract

Uniform growth of carbon coils on the surface of carbon fibers was achieved by acetylene decomposition at 680°C with Ni nanoparticles as the catalyst. The homogeneous precipitation-reduction method was used to coat the carbon fibers with Ni nanoparticles. The scanning electron microscope images reveal that these carbon coils are mainly composed of spring-like microcoils, and include a few twist-shaped nanocoils. The carbon yield calculated from carbon yield=(mass of product/mass of Ni)×100% is about 34,000% in a run of 1h. By incorporating 10wt% of the carbon coil–carbon fiber hybrid in a paraffin matrix, a material with good microwave absorption is produced, despite the low mass percentage of filler.