Electromagnetic Absorption Performance Research Articles

Enhanced microwave absorption of sandwich panels with magnetized carbon fiber corrugated array reinforced PMI foam core

AbstractIntegrating periodic array structures made of metal wires or conductive inks into the foam core of electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing sandwich panels can significantly improve broadband absorption performance. However, the complex fabrication process and poor corrosion resistance of these materials limit their practical applications. This work innovatively introduces magnetized carbon fiber (CF) into PMI foam, simultaneously achieving broadband absorption and lightweight characteristics of the sandwich structure through the design of array structure and fiber bundle geometry. Simulation analysis compared the EM absorption performance of sandwich panels with carbonyl iron powder (CIP)/CF tape and helical twisted CIP/CF rope corrugated arrays, determining the optimal array structure parameters, which were then experimentally validated. The experimental results align with the simulations, showing that CIP/CF rope corrugated arrays with an amplitude of 10 mm, a cycle length of 15 mm, and an array spacing of 15 mm provide optimal absorption performance, with a reflection loss below −10 dB across the 9–18 GHz frequency range and a maximum absorption of −33.9 dB at 17 GHz. Finally, the absorption mechanism of these sandwich structures is discussed, highlighting how the synergistic effects between the electromagnetic properties and structural morphology of CIP/CF enhance the absorption performance of the EM absorbing sandwich panel.

Atomic Infusion Induced Reconstruction Enhancing Multifunctional Thermally Conductive Films with Robust Low‐Frequency Electromagnetic Absorption

Deterministic fabrication of highly thermally conductive composite film with satisfying low‐frequency electromagnetic (EM) absorption performance exhibits great potential in advancing the application of 5G smart electric devices but persists challenge. Herein, a multifunctional flexible film combined with hetero‐structured Fe6W6C‐FeWO4@C (FWC‐O@C) as the absorber and aramid nanofibers (ANFs) as the matrix was prepared. Driven by an atomic gradient infusion reduction strategy, the carbon atoms of absorbers can be precisely relocated from carbon shell to core oxometallate lattice and trigger in‐situ carbothermic reduction for customizing unique oxometallate‐carbide heterojunctions and deforming the surface geometrical structure. Such an atoms reconstruction process effectively regulates interface electronic structure and magnetic configuration, resulting in enhanced polarization loss from abundant heterointerfaces and crystal defects and magnetic loss from hierarchical structure endowed magnetic coupling interaction, which jointly contributes to the efficient low‐frequency EM absorption performance. Eventually, optimized FWC‐O@C microplate exhibits a broad absorption bandwidth surpassed the entire C band, and the assembled Fe6W6C‐FeWO4@C/ANF composite film also performs a high thermal conductivity over 2500% higher than that of the pure ANF. These findings provide a new insight into the atomic reconstruction affected EM properties and a generalized methodological guidance for preparing multifunctional thermally conductive composite films.

High‐efficiency electromagnetic absorption of HfC–SiCf ceramics with a 3D reticular structure

AbstractThe development of high‐temperature electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing materials is an important direction for achieving radar stealth in high‐speed aircraft. In this study, HfC–SiCf composite ceramics with 3D reticular structure were synthesized in one‐step using the molten‐salt‐assisted carbon thermal reduction method. During the synthesis process, SiC grew in situ into a fibrous structure with a diameter of 500 nm and lengths ranging from 2 to 30 µm. By adjusting the molar ratio of HfC to SiC, the HfC‐30 mol% SiC (HS30) exhibited the best EM absorption performance at room temperature, with a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −31.4 dB at 16.1 GHz and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.6 GHz. The excellent absorption performance was attributed to the 3D reticular structure composed of SiC fibers, HfC bulk, and HfC nanoparticles, which significantly increased the number of pores and heterogeneous interfaces in the material. These microinterfaces induced interface polarization effects, thereby effectively enhancing the EM absorption. As the temperature increased, the EM absorption performance declined. At 900°C, the HS30 sample exhibited an EAB of 1.18 GHz from 12.4 to 13.58 GHz and an RLmin of 22.6 dB at 13.0 GHz. This research provides references for understanding the effects of material composition and structure on EM absorption performance.

Enhanced SiC/NFG/Ni ternary composite microwave absorbing materials with micro-network structures produced by selective laser sintering

In this paper, a ternary composite wave-absorbing material consisting of silicon carbide (SiC), natural flake graphite (NFG) and nickel (Ni) has been successfully fabricated through a combined process of selective laser sintering (SLS) and vacuum pressure impregnation. The study investigated how the content of SiC powder affected the absorption capacity and mechanical performances of the composites. The findings indicate that as the proportion of SiC powder rises, the porosity of the composites diminishes, while the bending strength increases. As the content of SiC is 40 wt%, the porosity is 52.14 % and the flexure strength is 9.58 MPa, approximately five times greater than that of graphite-type ceramic preforms. The composite’s electromagnetic wave-absorbing capability initially improves and then declines with the increase of SiC content. When the SiC content is 10 wt% and the thickness is 1.5 mm, the composite absorbing material exhibits optimal electromagnetic absorption performance, with a minimum reflection loss (RLmin)of −44.04 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.42 GHz (8.24–13.66 GHz). The composite material, characterized by its lightweight, high strength, and broad frequency range, shows promise for applications in microwave absorption technology.

Control of dielectric properties of composite materials by editing low dielectric ceramics with anchored structure

Extensive research over the impact of the content of a particular constituent in composites on their electromagnetic wave-absorbing performance has been witnessed. However, an accurate summary regarding the impact of ceramics’ dielectric constant on electromagnetic absorption performance of ceramic/graphene composites is still ad referendum. In this paper, a series of low-dielectric ceramics were synthesized by precisely controlling the proportion of boric acid and subsequently integrated with reduced Graphene nanosheets (RGNSs) to fabricate ceramic/RGNSs composites for efficient electromagnetic wave absorption. The amorphous range of ceramics, which is affected by the boric acid content, controls the dielectric properties that subsequently affect the absorption performance. Increasing the amorphous range of ceramics was found to result in an increase in both maximum value and stability of the actual component of complex permittivity for SiBON/RGNSs composite material. Additionally, tangent values at X and Ku bands also exhibited an increase, leading to an augmented microwave absorption performance (maximum absorption bandwidth: 4.94 GHz; minimum reflection loss: −50.45 dB).

Three-Dimensionally Printed K-Band Radar Stealth Lightweight Material with Lotus Leaf Structure.

K-band radar waves have high penetration and low attenuation coefficients. However, the wavelength of this radar wave is relatively short; thus, designing and preparing both broadband and wide-angle radar wave absorbers in this band presents considerable challenges. In this study, a resin-based K-band radar wave absorber with a biomimetic lotus leaf structure was designed and formed by UV curing. Here, microscale lotus leaf papillae and antireflection structures were prepared using a DLP 3D printer, and the contact angle between the material and water droplets was increased from 56° to 130°. In addition, the influence of the geometric parameters of the lotus leaf antireflection structure on the electromagnetic absorption performance and mechanical strength was investigated. After simulation optimization, the maximum electromagnetic loss of the lotus leaf structure 3D-printed sample was -32.3 dB, and the electromagnetic loss was below -10 dB in the 20.8-26.5 GHz frequency range. When the radar incidence angle was 60°, the maximum electromagnetic loss was still less than -10 dB. The designed lotus leaf structure has a higher mechanical energy absorption per unit volume (337.22 KJ/m3) and per unit mass (0.55 KJ/Kg) than commonly used honeycomb lightweight structures during the elastic deformation stage, and we expect that the designed structure can be used as an effective lightweight material for K-band radar stealth.

Electromagnetic wave absorption performance of porous geopolymer: Dual effects of fly ash on alkali activation and microwave dissipation

The simultaneous occurrence of aggregation reactions in fly ash (FA) facilitates the uniform dispersion of internal ferrite into the geopolymer. Considering the excellent impedance matching and multiple reflection effects of foam concrete, this paper develops a ‘zero-absorber’ foam geopolymer-based electromagnetic absorbing material. The effects of different densities (400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 kg/m3) and FA contents (40 %, 50 %, 60 %, 70 %, 80 %) on the electromagnetic absorption performance of foam geopolymer are investigated, respectively. Combined with the iron element distribution and 3D pore structure by SEM and X-CT analysis, the dissipation mechanism of electromagnetic energy by FA and pore structure in foam geopolymer are further explored. Experimental results show that FA can uniformly disperse inherent ferric ions from the matrix into the geopolymer during the polymerization reaction, leading to excellent magnetic losses through magnetic moment orientation adjustment and intermolecular friction interactions without adding external absorber. Additionally, the uniformly dispersed porous structure consumes incident electromagnetic energy through reflection, scattering, coherent attenuation, and interference resonance loss effects. It shows multi-scale electromagnetic absorption effects in the ‘zero-absorber’ foam geopolymer-based electromagnetic absorbing material, including pore structure multiple reflections (millimeter scale), inter-pore wall interference resonance (micrometer scale), and ferric ion magnetic loss (nanometer scale). For the foam geopolymer with 1000 kg/m3 density and 50 % FA, it achieves the optimal electromagnetic absorbing performance with the minimum reflection loss (RL) of −34.9 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth of 14.1 GHz (RL below −10 dB) in 2–18 GHz range.

Preparation and microwave absorption performance of SiC aerogel via sol-gel and carbonization reduction process

SiC aerogel presents several advantageous features like lightweight and high temperature resistance when applied as microwave absorbing material. In this paper, SiC aerogel was prepared eventually followed by the sol-gel and carbonization reduction process. The results showed that the effective electromagnetic microwave absorption capacity of SiC aerogel was highly increased after being pyrolyzed at 1500 °C, which presented a minimum reflection loss value of −57.80 dB at 3.10 mm and 9.86 GHz. Besides, the electromagnetic parameters of SiC aerogel with different paraffin ratios were discussed as well as the varying electromagnetic microwave absorption performances. The minimum reflection loss value first rose then fell as the SiC/paraffin ratio increased, which demonstrated the importance of SiC content. This study establishes the theoretical foundation for the subsequent functional application of SiC aerogel.

Using multi-scale interaction mechanisms in yolk-shell structured C/Co composite materials for electromagnetic wave absorption

Advanced chemical engineering for simultaneous modulation of nanomaterial morphology, defects, interfaces, and structure to enhance electromagnetic and microwave absorption (MA) performance. However, accurately distinguishing the MA contributions of different scale factors and tuning the optimal combined effects remains a formidable challenge. This study employs a synergistic approach combining template protection etching and vacuum annealing to construct a controlled system of micrometer-sized cavities and amorphous carbon matrices in metal-organic framework (MOF) derivatives. The results demonstrate that the spatial effects introduced by the hollow structure enhance dielectric loss but significantly weaken impedance matching. By increasing the proportion of amorphous carbon, the balance between electromagnetic loss and impedance matching can be effectively maintained. Importantly, in a suitable graphitization environment, the presence of oxygen vacancies in amorphous carbon can induce significant polarization to compensate for the reduced conductivity loss due to the absence of sp2 carbon. Through the synergistic effects of morphology and composition, the samples exhibit a broader absorption bandwidth (6.28 GHz) and stronger reflection loss (−61.64 dB) compared to the original MOF. In conclusion, this study aims to elucidate the multiscale impacts of macroscopic micro-nano structure and microscopic defect engineering, providing valuable insights for future research in this field.

Influence of MWCNTs addition on the electromagnetic absorption performance of polymer-based wave absorber

Influence of MWCNTs addition on the electromagnetic absorption performance of polymer-based wave absorber

Regulating integral alignment of magnetic MXene nanosheets in layered composites to achieve high-effective electromagnetic wave absorption

The integral structure design is equally crucial to the regulation of electromagnetic components in microwave absorbing materials. In this work, magnetic MXene/polyvinylidene fluoride composites with integral nacre-like structure were prepared by successive hot-pressing process to realize the layered arrangement of Ni anchored MXene (Ni@MXene). The order degree of Ni@MXene from random to orientation can be adjusted by gradually changing compression ratio. Interestingly, increasing the orientation degree of Ni@MXene effectively improves the dielectric constant, minimal reflection loss (RLmin) and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of the layered composites. This is attributed to the improved loss ability by increasing the contact areas between Ni@MXene and vertically incident electromagnetic waves, inducing multiple scattering/reflection effect, and the formation of localized conductive pathways. As a result, the layered composite with optimal layered structure delivers the best electromagnetic microwave absorption performance with a RLmin of −69.8 dB and an EAB of 4.77 GHz. Besides, increasing the orientation degree can also optimize the mechanical properties of the layered composites, with the maximum tensile strength and toughness of 32.6 MPa and 115.0 MJ m−3, respectively. Therefore, this work proves the adjustability of absorption performance by changing the distribution of absorbents, and integrates the structure and function for microwave absorption materials.

A Self-foaming Strategy to Construct Small Mo2C Nanoparticles Decorated 3D Carbon Foams as Superior Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Materials with Strong Corrosion Resistance.

3D macroporous carbon-based foams are always considered as promising candidates for high-performance electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing materials due to the collaborative EM contribution and salutary structure effect. However, the uneven distribution of heterogeneous EM components and the cumbersome preparation process have become key issues to hinder their performance improvement and practical popularity. Herein, the fabrication of 3D carbon foam decorated with small and highly dispersed Mo2C nanoparticles is realized by an innovative self-foaming strategy. The foaming mechanism can be attributed to the decomposition of nitrate during the softening process of organic polymers. The good dispersion of Mo2C nanoparticles boosts interfacial polarization significantly. After regulating the content of Mo2C nanoparticles, the optimal Mo2C/CF-x exhibits good EM absorption performance, whose minimum reflection loss intensity value can reach up to -72.2dB, and effective absorption bandwidth covers 6.7GHz with a thickness of 2.30mm. Very importantly, the resultant Mo2C/CF-x exhibits hydrophobicity and strong acidic anticorrosion, and a long-time treatment in HCl solution (6.0molL-1) produces negligible impacts on their EM functions. It is believed that this extraordinary feature may render Mo2C/C foams as qualified and durable EM wave absorbing materials (EWAMs) under rigorous conditions.

Built‐In Electric Field Enhancement Strategy Induced by Cross‐Dimensional Nano‐Heterointerface Design for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

AbstractNano‐heterointerface engineering has been demonstrated to influence interfacial polarization by expanding the interface surface area and constructing a built‐in electric field (BEF), thus regulating electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption. However, the dielectric‐responsive mechanism of the BEF needs further exploration to enhance the comprehensive understanding of interfacial polarization, particularly in terms of quantifying and optimizing the BEF strength. Herein, a “1D expanded 2D structure” carbon matrix is designed, and semiconductor ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) is introduced to construct a carbon/ZIS heterostructure. The cross‐dimensional nano‐heterointerface design increases interface coupling sites by expanding the interface surface area and induces an increase in the Fermi level difference on both sides of the interface to modulate the distribution of interface charges, thereby strengthening the BEF at the interface. The synergistic effect leads to excellent EM absorption performance (minimum reflection coefficient RCmin = −67.4 dB, effective absorption bandwidth EAB = 6.0 GHz) of carbon/ZIS heterostructure. This work introduces a general modification model for enhancing interfacial polarization and inspires the development of new strategies for EM functional materials with unique electronic behaviors through heterointerface engineering.

Mechanical properties and electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics of solid waste low-carbon cementitious materials

A low-carbon multi-functional cement substitute material has been developed to reduce electromagnetic pollution in building spaces and protect human health. The solid waste electromagnetic absorption cementitious material (SWEACM) is produced by combining steel slag (SS), blast furnace slag (BFS), and phosphogypsum (PG). In this study, the properties of SWEACM were analyzed, including flow, electromagnetic wave absorption, strength, and environmental properties. Additionally, the hydration and electromagnetic wave absorption mechanisms were examined. The results indicate that SS, BFS, and PG content significantly affect the strength and electromagnetic wave absorption properties of SWEACM. S-6 exhibits the best overall performance (SS: BFS: PG = 3:6:1), with the highest strength (28 days compressive strength = 33.5 MPa) and fluidity (19.1 cm). Furthermore, it has excellent electromagnetic absorption performance (RLmin = −45.4 dB), with an adequate absorption bandwidth of up to 10 GHz in the 2–18 GHz range. The excellent electromagnetic wave absorption capability of SWEACM is mainly due to the resonance, polarization relaxation loss, and conduction loss of the magnetic and conductive components in the material. The results show that SWEACM can be used as a multi-functional construction engineering material for electromagnetic protection, combining high levels of high electromagnetic wave absorption, strength performance, and environmental benefits.

Electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics of silicon carbide modified concrete applied to protective engineering

Electromagnetic protection measures can effectively prevent electromagnetic waves from harming equipment, facilities, information security and human health. To enhance the electromagnetic wave-absorbing capacity of standard concrete, silicon carbide (SiC) was selected as an absorbing agent to produce wave-absorbing concrete. The influences of SiC content on the electromagnetic reflection loss, electromagnetic parameters, and mechanical properties of concrete were systematically investigated. After 28 days of curing, the concrete sample modified with 10 wt% SiC displays the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of 36.12 MPa and 3.10 MPa, respectively. And the optimum electromagnetic absorption performance reaches −16.25 dB at 3.37 GHz and the electrical conductivity is 1.55×10−4 S/m. The SiC modified concrete demonstrates the dielectric loss type absorption characteristics. This research provides a practical solution for electromagnetic wave protection, which is expected to be used in both military and civilian applications.

Hollow-magnetite/MXene nanohybrids with unique coral-like structure for electromagnetic wave absorption

The novel hollow-magnetite (HFO)/MXene nanohybrids with coral-like structure were successfully prepared via templating and electrostatic self-assembly techniques for electromagnetic (EM) wave adsorption application. The unique coral-like structure of the prepared HFO/MXene hybrids was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). When mass ratio of HFO to MXene is 2:1, the maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EABmax) of HFO/MXene hybrids is able to reach 5.36 GHz. Moreover, when mass ratio of HFO to MXene is 1:1, the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) even achieves −42.48 dB with a thickness of 3.1 mm. The excellent EM absorption performance of HFO/MXene hybrids is mainly due to the ideal impedance matching and synergistic effect of magnetic loss and dielectric loss caused by unique coral-like structure. This work provides unexplored areas in the design of the spatial structure of MXene for microwave absorption.

Glass-Blowing-Inspired Upcycling of Thermosetting Polymer to Neuron-Like Hierarchical Carbon for Microwave Absorption and Conversion.

Upgrading thermosetting polymer waste and harvesting unwanted electromagnetic energy are of great significance in solving environmental pollution and energy shortage problems. Herein, inspired by the glass-blowing art, a spontaneous, controllable, and scalable strategy is proposed to prepare hollow carbon materials by inner blowing and outside blocking. Specifically, hierarchically neuron-like hollow carbon materials (HCMSs) with various sizes are fabricated from melamine-formaldehyde sponge (MS) waste. Benefiting from the synergistic of the hollow "cell body" and the connected "protrusions" networks, HCMSs reveal superior electromagnetic absorption performance with a strong reflection loss of -54.9dB, electromagnetic-heat conversion ability with a high conversion efficiency of 34.4%, and efficient energy storage performance in supercapacitor. Furthermore, a multifunctional device integrating electromagnetic-heat-electrical energy conversion is designed, and its feasibility is proved by experiments and theoretical calculations. The integrated device reveals an output voltage of 34.5mV and a maximum output power of 0.89 µW with electromagnetic radiation for 60s. This work provides a novel solution to recycle polymer waste, electromagnetic energy, and unwanted thermal energy.

Efficient broadband sea urchin-like Fe3O4@C electromagnetic wave absorbing materials

The development of electromagnetic wave absorbing materials is crucial for various applications. Carbon materials and ferrite materials were recognized as ideal candidates of absorbing agents due to their respective dielectric loss and magnetic loss capabilities. In this study, Fe3O4@C were prepared using hydrothermal carbonization coupling method. The microstructure and morphology of Fe3O4@C were studied using SEM, TEM, XRD and TG. The results showed that Fe3O4@C exhibited a hollow sea urchin-like structure. The molar ratio of carbon to iron sources in the raw materials significantly influenced the crystal structure of the product. The growth mechanism of sea urchin-like Fe3O4@C was proposed. The carbon content in Fe3O4@C increased with the increase of molar ratio of glucose and iron (III) sulfate. The Fe3O4@C with carbon content of 31.10 % exhibited optimal absorption performance, with a minimum reflection loss of −57.1 dB at a matching thickness of 5.10 mm and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4 GHz. Electromagnetic parameters and absorption performance could be adjusted by varying the molar ratio of glucose and iron (III) sulfate. The unique sea urchin-like structure enhanced multiple reflection of electromagnetic waves. Interface polarization, conductivity loss and synergistic effect between carbon and Fe3O4 also contributed to the favorable absorption properties.

SiC particles/Ti3C2Tx aerogel with tunable electromagnetic absorption performance in Ku band

In response to the issues stemming from electromagnetic wave (EMW) radiation or pollution, there has been a growing emphasis on the research and development of novel electromagnetic wave absorbing materials. In this work, we synthesized an EMW absorbing aerogel composed of SiC particles and Ti3C2Tx, with the structure regulated by PVA. The aerogel features a well-organized 3D network comprising Ti3C2Tx nanosheets (NSs), SiC particles, and PVA wires. At a mass ratio of 1:1 for SiC particles to Ti3C2Tx, the aerogel, when combined with PVA, demonstrated a remarkable reflection loss of -54.5 dB in the Ku band and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.4 GHz at a thickness of 2.04 mm. Even at low densities of 8.8 mg cm−3, the aerogel demonstrated significant mechanical strength, supporting a load equivalent to 1000 times its weight. The superior absorption capabilities of the SiC particles/Ti3C2Tx aerogel can be ascribed to the multiple interface polarization between Ti3C2Tx and SiC particles, and the impedance matching improved by the presence of PVA. These findings underscore the exceptional EMW absorption properties of the SiC particles/Ti3C2Tx aerogel, particularly in the Ku band.

Enhancing electromagnetic properties in nickel hydroxide modified graphene composites via secondary reactions for improving multi-polarization electromagnetic absorption efficiency

Carbon-based materials exhibit excellent dielectric absorption properties, among which graphene has received particular attention in research of electromagnetic wave absorbing materials because of its high electrical conductivity and unique large-area, thin-layer two-dimensional structural features. However, the electromagnetic absorption performance of the material is hindered from further improvement due to its single component composition. It is influenced by the conductive network of graphene, making it challenging to achieve a balance in impedance matching and electromagnetic loss, thereby restricting its broader application. To address these challenges, we developed a series of nickel hydroxide-modified graphene composites. Through a structural composite design, we optimized overall impedance matching, introduced diverse loss mechanisms to enhance electromagnetic loss performance, and utilized a secondary reaction control method to precisely regulate the deposition of nickel hydroxide on the graphene surface, thereby achieving regulate of the composite material's electromagnetic parameters within a defined range. Under low sample filling ratios and a thin sample thickness of 1.8 mm, the effective absorption bandwidth reaches 6.5 GHz, demonstrating excellent electromagnetic absorption performance. This study provides a controllable design approach for modulating material electromagnetic parameters by influencing the reaction process. It also offers a design method for composites with an outstanding electromagnetic loss mechanism.