Multiscale designed SiCf/Si3N4 composite for low and high frequency cooperative electromagnetic absorption

With the aim to design a particular material for low and high frequency cooperative electromagnetic absorption at high temperature, a multiscale design is proposed by combining the microstructure and meta‐structure in one material. The SiC_f/Si₃N₄ composite is prepared via the chemical vapor infiltration technique with SiC_f as the EM wave absorbing phase and Si₃N₄ as the wave‐transparent ceramic matrix. The crossing grooved meta‐structure is designed and fabricated to further improve its absorbing properties and to guarantee its absorbing capacity stability at high temperature. A minimum reflection loss of ?15.3 dB and ?14.8 dB can be reached at 8 and 18 GHz with a total thickness of 5 mm. The temperature‐dependent reflection loss of the designed meta‐structure keeps relative reliable high temperature absorbing performances from room temperature to 500°C. This effective enhanced EM wave absorbing property is believed to be a consequence of multiscale effect induced by combining the traditional EM absorbing materials with metamaterial structure.     

Multi-phase heterostructures of flower-like Ni(NiO) decorated on two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx/TiO2 for high-performance microwave absorption properties

Three-dimensional flower-like Ni(NiO) decorated on two-dimensional Ti₃C₂T_x/TiO₂ composites were successfully synthesized by an in situ solvothermal reaction, and the electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption performance of the hybrids were explored at 2.00–18.00 GHz. The as-prepared Ni(NiO)/Ti₃C₂T_x/TiO₂ composites include flower-like Ni(NiO) with uniform distribution on the surface of Ti₃C₂T_x MXenes and part of them get into the space between interlayers. The Ni(NiO)/Ti₃C₂T_x/TiO₂ composites exhibit a maximum reflection loss (RL) value of ?41.74 dB at 14.96 GHz with the absorber thickness of merely 1.3 mm and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) reaches 3.20 GHz. The outstanding electromagnetic wave absorbing performance can be attributed to the dielectric loss of Ti₃C₂T_x MXenes and multi-phase heterostructures, the magnetic loss of Ni(NiO) and their synergistic loss mechanism. Moreover, the zigzag path formed by flower-like Ni(NiO) also has a great consumption effect on electromagnetic waves by incurring the eddy current under the affect of alternating EM waves. The laminated structure of Ti₃C₂T_x MXenes also dissipates microwaves by offering the space for multiple reflections and scattering. This paper furnished a novel modus for synthesizing original EM wave absorption materials and making the balance among thickness, broad bandwidth, oxidation resistance and light weight, which makes Ni(NiO)/Ti₃C₂T_x/TiO₂ composites a hopeful material for microwave absorption (MA).     

Design of magnetic triple-shell hollow structural Fe3O4/FeCo/C composite microspheres with broad bandwidth and excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance

A three-step strategy combining solvothermal and liquid phase reduction method had been developed for preparation of magnetic triple-shell hollow structural Fe₃O₄/FeCo/C (TSH–Fe₃O₄/FeCo/C) composite microspheres. FeCo was used to enhance electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption in different frequency band and broaden effective absorbing bandwidth, while carbon was used to improve impedance matching. Triple-shell hollow structure was designed to enrich the multiple interfaces to favor the interfacial polarization, increase the multiple reflections and scattering, and provide physicochemical protection to Fe₃O₄ core from oxidation. The microstructure and morphology of TSH-Fe₃O₄/FeCo/C composite microspheres were characterized by TEM, XRD and Raman in detail. The results indicated that magnetic Fe₃O₄ was completely covered by FeCo and carbon via layer by layer. As an EM wave absorber, the maximum reflection loss of TSH-Fe₃O₄/FeCo/C composite microspheres was up to -37.4 dB due to better normalized characteristic impedance at a thickness of 2.2 mm and the bandwidth less than -10 dB even reached up to 5.9 GHz. The excellent EM wave absorption performance was attributed to the combination of shell materials (Fe₃O₄, FeCo and carbon) and unique triple-shell hollow structure, which lead to multiple relaxation processes and good impedance matching. Consequently, this work would contribute to the design and preparation of high performance EM wave absorbent with outstanding absorbing property and wider absorption range.     

Glycine-assisted solution combustion synthesis of NiCo2O4 electromagnetic wave absorber with wide absorption bandwidth

Design of high-performance electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing materials has been regarded as an effective solution to excessive EM wave interference problem. As a promising candidate, NiCo₂O₄ absorbers have attracted enormous research attentions. However, currently reported morphology-manipulation synthetic methods of NiCo₂O₄ absorbers are time-consuming and require high energy consumption, which inhibit their practical applications. Herein, a more facile and cost-effective solution combustion synthesis was utilized to fabricate NiCo₂O₄ materials. The absorber prepared by using glycine as fuel displayed the best EM wave absorption performance. Impressively, ultra wide absorption bandwidth of 7.44 GHz from 10.56 GHz to 18 GHz could be achieved with relatively thin thickness of 2.1 mm NiCo₂O₄ sample fabricated in this work displayed the widest effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) among reported NiCo₂O₄-based EM wave absorbing materials so far. In view of its simple and low-cost synthetic process and excellent EM wave dissipation capacity, NiCo₂O₄ samples in this work showed great feasibility as practical absorber. In addition, our findings may also provide new sight for facile preparation of other high-performance EM wave absorbers by solution combustion synthesis instead of complex morphology-manipulation routes.     

Nano-SiC-decorated Y2Si2O7 ceramic for enhancing electromagnetic waves absorption performance

To improve the electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption performance of rare earth silicate in harsh environments, this work synthesized dense SiC–Y₂Si₂O₇ composite ceramics with excellent EM wave absorption properties by using the polymer permeation pyrolysis (PIP) process, which introduced carbon and SiC into a porous Y₂Si₂O₇ matrix to form novel composite ceramics. SiC–Y₂Si₂O₇ composite ceramics with different numbers of PIP cycles were tested and analysed. The results show that the as-prepared composites exhibit different microstructures, porosities, dielectric properties and EM wave absorption properties. On the whole, the SiC–Y₂Si₂O₇ composite ceramics (with a SiC/C content of 29.88 wt%) show superior microwave absorption properties. The minimum reflection loss (RL_min) reaches ?16.1 dB when the thickness is 3.9 mm at 9.8 GHz. Moreover, the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) included a broad frequency from 8.2 GHz to 12.4 GHz as the absorbent thickness varied from 3.15 mm to 4.6 mm. In addition, the EM wave absorption mechanism was analysed profoundly, which ascribed to the multiple mediums of nanocrystalline, amorphous phases and turbostratic carbon distributed in the Y₂Si₂O₇ matrix. Therefore, SiC–Y₂Si₂O₇ composite ceramics with high-efficiency EM wave absorption performance promise to be a novel wave absorbing material for applications in harsh environments.     

Hollow porous magnetic/magnetic heterostructured CoFe/defective spinel microspheres template-free synthesis and effective modulation of microwave absorption performance

To create a spinel ferrite with excellent performance for electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption in the low frequency range of 4–6 GHz, compositions based on Co_0.75Zn_0.125Fe_0.125Fe₂O₄ (CZF–1) and Co_0.5Zn_0.25Fe_0.25Fe₂O₄ (CZF–2) with multiple elements substituted for A sites were synthesized by using solvothermal method. Hollow porous magnetic/magnetic heterostructure microspheres (HHMs) of CZF–A1 and CZF–A2 with multiple interfaces were prepared by hydrogen–thermal reduction of CZF–1 and CZF–2, and their unique structure and EM absorption properties were investigated in detail. The widest effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of CZF–A1 and CZF–A2 was 4.1 GHz (13.6–17.7 GHz) and 3.7 GHz (8.0–11.7 GHz) for a corresponding thickness of 1.4 mm and 2.0 mm, respectively. In addition, the minimum reflection loss (R.L_min) of CZF–A1 and CZF–A2 reached –49.1 dB (at f_m = 13.4 GHz) and –45.0 dB (at f_m = 4.2 GHz) at a thicknesses of 1.6 mm and 3.7 mm, respectively. More specifically, in the low frequency region of 4–6 GHz, CZF–A1 and CZF–A2 exhibited excellent EM wave absorption due to the effective regulation of their natural resonance frequency. The EM wave absorption frequency band of CZF–A1 and CZF–A2 samples was able to completely cover the 4–6 GHz frequency region for at coating thickness of CZF–A1 and CZF–A2 was only 3.5 mm and 3.3 mm respectively, and their R.Lmin reached –36.5 dB and –22.6 dB. Moreover, the absorption mechanisms of CZF–A1 and CZF–A2 including magnetic resonance, eddy current loss, interfacial polarization and dipole polarization were also investigated in detail. This research provides new insights and guidance for the development of spinel ferrite-based EM absorbers for high efficiency EM wave absorption in the low frequency (4–6 GHz) region.     

MXene-derived TiC/SiBCN ceramics with excellent electromagnetic absorption and high-temperature resistance

Demand for high-performance electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing materials with high-temperature resistance is always urgent for application in a harsh environment. In this contribution, two-dimensional material, Ti₃C₂T_x MXene, was introduced into a hyperbranched polyborosilazane. After pyrolyzation, the as-prepared TiC/SiBCN ceramics present excellent EM wave absorption in X-band. The TiC nanograins appearing after annealing provide multilevel reflection and interface polarization. Dipole polarization formed at interface defects, in company with interfacial polarization, also makes a great contribution to enhanced EM wave absorption. The TiC/SiBCN nanocomplex prepared with 5 wt% Ti₃C₂T_x MXene possesses a minimum reflection coefficient of −45.44 dB at 10.93 GHz and abroad bandwidth 8.4 and 12.4 GHz, almost covering the entire X-band. Tuning the thickness in the range of 2.35-2.54 mm, the effective absorption band can achieve the entire X-band. And the EM wave absorbing performance has been maintained to a large extent at 600°C with the minimum reflection coefficient of −26.12 dB at 12.13 GHz and the effective absorption bandwidth of 2 GHz. Last but not the least, TiC/SiBCN ceramics offer a good thermal stability in argon as well as in air atmosphere, making it possible to serve in high-temperature detrimental environments. This study is expected to provide a new perspective for the design of high-performance absorbing materials that are able to be used in harsh environments, especially in high temperatures.     

Dielectric response and electromagnetic wave absorption of novel macroporous short carbon fibers/mullite composites

For wider-band and stronger electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption, macroporous short carbon fibers/mullite matrix (C_f/Mu) composites were prepared via introducing short carbon fibers (0, 0.7, and 1.3 vol%) with length of 2-3 mm into macroporous mullite ceramic by gel-casting. The density of as-prepared C_f/Mu composites decreases from 2.93 g/cm³ to 2.74 g/cm³, while the porosity increases from 3.32% to 10.76% with the rise in carbon fibers content. The diameter of macropores in C_f/Mu composites is ranging from several microns to tens of microns. Complex permittivity and dielectric loss of the prepared composites in X-band (8.2-12.4 GHz) are significantly enhanced with increased carbon fibers content. The best EM wave absorption performance is obtained in the macroporous C_f/Mu composites containing only 0.7 vol% carbon fibers (C_f/Mu-0.7). The maximum absorption loss of C_f/Mu-0.7 is −38.3 dB at 12.08 GHz at the thickness of 2.1 mm, and effective absorption bandwidth below −10 dB (over 90% of EM wave absorption) covers the whole X band with the thickness of 2.35 mm. The results suggest that the C_f/Mu composites can be promising high-performance EM wave absorbing materials.     

CdS quantum dot-sensitized solar cells based on nano-branched TiO2 arrays

Nano-branched rutile TiO₂ nanorod arrays were grown on F:SnO₂ conductive glass (FTO) by a facile, two-step wet chemical synthesis process at low temperature. The length of the nanobranches was tailored by controlling the growth time, after which CdS quantum dots were deposited on the nano-branched TiO₂ arrays using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method to make a photoanode for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). The photovoltaic properties of the CdS-sensitized nano-branched TiO₂ solar cells were studied systematically. A short-circuit current intensity of approximately 7 mA/cm² and a light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 0.95% were recorded for cells based on optimized nano-branched TiO₂ arrays, indicating an increase of 138% compared to those based on unbranched TiO₂ nanorod arrays. The improved performance is attributed to a markedly enlarged surface area provided by the nanobranches and better electron conductivity in the one-dimensional, well-aligned TiO₂ nanorod trunks.     

Impedance matching optimization of SiCf/Si3N4–SiOC composites for excellent microwave absorption properties

SiC fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites (SiC_f-CMCs) are considered to be one of the most promising materials in the electromagnetic (EM) stealth of aero-engines, which is expected to achieve strong absorption and broad-band performance. Multiscale structural design was applied to SiC_f/Si₃N₄–SiOC composites by construction of micro/nanoscale heterogeneous interfaces and macro double-layer impedance matching structure. SiC_f/Si₃N₄–SiOC composites were fabricated by using SiC fibers with different conductivities and SiOC–Si₃N₄ matrices with gradient impedance structures to improve impedance matching effectively. Owing to its unique structure, SiC_f/Si₃N₄–SiOC composites (A3-composites) achieved excellent EM wave absorption performance with a minimum reflection coefficient (RC_min) of ?25.1 dB at 2.45 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.0 GHz at 2.85 mm in X-band. Moreover, double-layer SiC_f/Si₃N₄–SiOC with an improved impedance matching structure obtained an RC_min of ?56.9 dB and an EAB of 4.2 GHz at 3.00 mm, which means it can absorb more than 90% of the EM waves in the whole X-band. The RC is less than ?8 dB at 2.6–2.8 mm from RT to 600 °C in the whole X-band, displaying excellent high-temperature absorption performance. The results provide a new design opinion for broad-band EM absorbing SiC_f-CMCs at high temperatures.     

Facile synthesis of a novel flower-like BiFeO3 microspheres/graphene with superior electromagnetic wave absorption performances

In recent years, porous or layered magnetic materials have received increasing attention due to their low density and lightweight. In this work, porous BiFeO₃ microspheres and three-dimensional porous BiFeO₃ microsphere-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composite (3D porous BiFeO₃/RGO) were prepared by one-step etching processing using pure BiFeO₃ particles as precursors. The precursor undergoes dissolution-recrystallization/reduction process, resulting in large amount of BiFeO₃ fragments and graphene hybrid product, which forms 3D porous BiFeO₃/RGO composite. Electromagnetic (EM) absorption performance measurements exhibit that at low thickness of 1.8?mm, porous BiFeO₃/RGO composite can achieve reflection loss (R_L) value up to ?46.7?dB and absorption bandwidth (defined by R_L <?10?dB) exceeding 4.7?GHz (from 12.0 to 16.7?GHz), testifying outstanding microwave absorbing performance. Compared with pure porous BiFeO₃, improved EM wave absorption ability of as-prepared porous BiFeO₃/RGO composite is attributed to interfacial polarization, multiple reflections, scattering, and appropriate impedance matching.     

Ni-MOF/Ti3C2Tx derived multidimensional hierarchical Ni/TiO2/C nanocomposites with lightweight and efficient microwave absorption

Benefiting from its large specific surface area, abundant defects and functional groups, two-dimensional (2D) laminated Ti₃C₂T_x MXene is a kind of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorber with great potential. However, the impedance mismatch caused by the excessive conductivity, inappropriate permittivity and lack of magnetic loss seriously hinders the application of MXene to EMW absorption. Herein, multidimensional hierarchical Ni/TiO₂/C nanocomposites composed of three-dimensional (3D) hydrangea-like Ni/C microspheres and well-arranged 2D carbon sheets embedded with TiO₂ nanoparticles were successfully fabricated from a Ni-based trimellitic acid framework (Ni-BTC) and Ti₃C₂T_x MXene via facile in-situ solvothermal assembly and annealing processes. As expected, excellent EMW absorption properties were obtained only by changing the annealing temperature. The minimum reflection loss (RL_min) value of -45.6 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 3.40 GHz (14.6–18.0 GHz) with a layer thickness of only 1.5 mm is obtained by annealing the sample at 700 °C. The outstanding ternary multilayer structure and the optimization of magnetoelectric synergy in impedance matching jointly create its remarkable EMW absorption performance. This work is expected to provide a simple and effective method to design MXene-based EMW absorbing materials possessing high absorption intensity, light weight, wide EAB and thin thickness.     

Porous magnetic carbon nanofibers (P-CNF/Fe) for low-frequency electromagnetic wave absorption synthesized by electrospinning

The recent criteria to evaluate electromagnetic wave absorber include low density, strong absorbency, wide absorption bandwidth and thin absorber thickness, but its performance at low frequencies is always ignored. In this paper, the porous magnetic carbon nanofibers (P-CNF/Fe) for high-efficient electromagnetic wave absorption at low frequencies were fabricated by electrospinning followed by stabilization and carbonization. With the introduction of porous nanostructure, the permittivity of carbon nanofibers was decreased at low frequency and the impedance matching of permittivity and permeability was realized. The electromagnetic absorbing properties were investigated in detail. The minimum reflection coefficient reaches ?44.86?dB at 4.42?GHz, and the widest effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) in the frequency was 3.28 range from 12.96 to 16.24?GHz. Consequently, considering the EM wave absorption performance, P-CNF/Fe synthesized in this work can be a promising candidate in the field of EM wave attenuation.     

Metal ions induced dielectric and magnetic loss in Co3O4 for electromagnetic wave absorption

Despite Co₃O₄ has been widely applied in electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers, single Co₃O₄ doesn't have excellent EMW absorbing performance. Modification of Co₃O₄ with other metal ions addition is an effective way to improve its impedance matching and EMW attenuation. Herein, CuO/Cu_0.3Co_2.7O₄/Co₃O₄ and NiCo₂O₄/Co₃O₄ composites have been obtained via a facile two-stage strategy, and the influence of Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ on the high-frequency and low-frequency EMW absorbing performance of the composites has been investigated as well. The electromagnetic parameters of samples are regulated by adding different metal ions to achieve optimum impedance matching. Dipole polarization and magnetic resonance are the main loss mechanisms. The composite with Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ additions exhibits the best EMW absorption with an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 10.8–18.0 GHz for 2.1 mm thickness at high-frequency and 4.5–8.5 GHz for 4.9 mm thickness at low frequencies, respectively. This work offers an effective method for preparing composite materials with multicomponent broadband absorption of oxides.     

Controlled fabrication of Sn/TiO2 nanorods for photoelectrochemical water splitting

In this work, we investigate the controlled fabrication of Sn-doped TiO₂ nanorods (Sn/TiO₂ NRs) for photoelectrochemical water splitting. Sn is incorporated into the rutile TiO₂ nanorods with Sn/Ti molar ratios ranging from 0% to 3% by a simple solvothermal synthesis method. The obtained Sn/TiO₂ NRs are single crystalline with a rutile structure. The concentration of Sn in the final nanorods can be well controlled by adjusting the molar ratio of the precursors. Photoelectrochemical experiments are conducted to explore the photocatalytic activity of Sn/TiO₂ NRs with different doping levels. Under the illumination of solar simulator with the light intensity of 100 mW/cm², our measurements reveal that the photocurrent increases with increasing doping level and reaches the maximum value of 1.01 mA/cm² at −0.4 V versus Ag/AgCl, which corresponds to up to about 50% enhancement compared with the pristine TiO₂ NRs. The Mott-Schottky plots indicate that incorporation of Sn into TiO₂ nanorod can significantly increase the charge carrier density, leading to enhanced conductivity of the nanorod. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Sn/TiO₂ NRs can be a promising candidate for photoanode in photoelectrochemical water splitting because of their excellent chemical stability.     

MOF-derived core-shell structured Cu9S5/NC@Co3S4/NC composite as a high-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorber

Constructing specific microstructures and designing multicomponent composites are regarded as effective approaches to obtaining high-efficiency electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing materials. Herein, core-shell structured Cu₉S₅/N-doped carbon@Co₃S₄/N-doped carbon (Cu₉S₅/NC@Co₃S₄/NC) composites derived from Cu₃(BTC)₂@ZIF-67 were synthesized by facile carbonization and sulfidation processes. The Cu₉S₅ particles are embedded in the interior and surface of the carbon skeleton, and the Co₃S₄/NC particles are uniformly distributed on the surface of the carbon skeleton. Compared with Cu₉S₅/NC and Co₃S₄/NC, the Cu₉S₅/NC@Co₃S₄/NC composite displays improved impedance matching properties and much better EM wave absorbing properties. The minimum reflection loss (RL_min) reaches ?41.6 dB at 10.52 GHz with a thickness of 2 mm. In addition, the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL < ?10 dB) is 4.08 GHz (12.73–16.81 GHz) with un ultrathin thickness of 1.5 mm. This work offers a facile strategy for synthesizing MOF-derived metal sulfides/carbon composites as EM wave absorption materials with strong absorption properties, a wide absorption bandwidth and ultrathin thickness.     

Enhancement of photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties of BiOI nanosheets and silver quantum dots co-modified TiO2 nanorod arrays

In this study, TiO₂ nanorod arrays (TNR), Ag quantum dots (QDs) sensitized with TNR TiO₂/Ag, bismuth oxyhalide (BiOI) nanosheets, and Ag QDs co-modified with TNR and TiO₂/BiOI/Ag (TBA) were prepared by a stepwise process. The morphological, structural, compositional, optical, photocatalytic (PC), and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the samples were investigated. The TBA-2 sample exhibited the highest photocurrent density (281.8 μA/cm²) and photodegradation efficiency (93.3%), with values 9.7 times and 2.25 times higher than those for TNR, respectively. The improvement in sample performance can be attributed to the formation of a heterojunction between BiOI and TiO₂, thereby enhancing the absorption of visible light and improving the charge separation efficiency; Ag QDs limit interfacial electron-hole pair recombination. The experimental results show that TBA can effectively promote light-induced carrier transport and visible light absorption, while inhibiting the recombination rate of the electron-hole pairs, PEC, and PC.     

Sandwich-like preparation of Ti3C2Tx@CoFe@TiO2 nanocomposites for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption

Electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing materials have been widely applied in the fields of military and engineering areas. It is of great significance to develop high-performance EMW absorbing materials. This work assembled the sandwich-like Ti₃C₂T_x based nanocomposites by the microwave-assisted annealing of CoFe-MOF@Ti₃C₂T_x (CFMF@Ti₃C₂T_x) precursors at different temperatures. Results show that, as the heat treatment temperature is 450 °C, the sandwich-like Ti₃C₂T_x@CoFe@TiO₂ nanocomposites present better EMW absorption properties. The minimum reflection loss (RL) value was ?62.9 dB at 17.95 GHz with a thin thickness of 1.2 mm. Moreover, the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) value was 5.02 GHz (12.74–17.76 GHz) with a thickness of 1.4 mm. The application of microwave-assisted annealing contributed to the formation of CoFe nanoparticles and TiO₂ nanoparticles because of the ultra-fast heating rate. The introduction of the nanoparticles enhanced the multiple polarization, optimized the impedance matching and introduced magnetic loss, leading to the improvement of EMW absorption. When the annealing temperature further increased to 550 °C, the EMW absorbing performance was weakened, which was mainly correlated with the decrement of the interface area due to the increase of the TiO₂ nanoparticle size and CoFe nanoparticle size. Thus, the loss effect of the multiple interface polarization weakens in the EMW absorption. In addition, the high permittivity of Ti₃C₂T_x disappears, which deteriorated the impedance matching and attenuation ability of EMW. Ultimately, sandwich-like Ti₃C₂T_x@CoFe@TiO₂ nanocomposite with satisfactory EMW absorbing properties is established, promising for various EMW absorbing applications.     

Construction of Si3N4/SiO2/SiC–Y2Si2O7 composite ceramics with gradual impedance matching structure for high-temperature electromagnetic wave absorption

Good impedance matching is vital in upgrading the performance of electromagnetic (EM) wave-absorbing materials. In this study, Si₃N₄/SiO₂/SiC–Y₂Si₂O₇ composite ceramics were synthesized by sintering and chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) technology with gradual impedance matching. The relationship between the microstructure of the as-prepared composite ceramics and EM wave absorption characteristics was thoroughly explored. It was found that the amorphous Si₃N₄, SiO₂, and SiC layers were constructed with a gradual impedance matching structure, which not only improved impedance matching but also increased the number of nano interfaces. More importantly, SiC nanocrystals effectively increased the conduction loss, and the presence of defects and nanoscale heterogeneous interfaces further increased the polarization loss. Consequently, the as-prepared composite ceramics displayed enhanced EM wave absorption properties, with a minimum reflection coefficient (RC_min) value of less than ?20 dB over a temperature range of 25 °C (RT)-300 °C, and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) maintained at 4.2 GHz with the thickness range of 3.75–4.75 mm. These results demonstrated the practical significance of high-performance EM wave absorption materials that can be applied in high-temperature and water vapor environments.     

Microwave absorption properties of double‐layer nanocomposites based on polypyrrole/natural rubber

Thin flexible double‐layer microwave absorbers have been fabricated based on polypyrrole (PP)/natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites and their reflection loss characteristics were studied in the range of 8–18 GHz. The PP‐NR matrix was prepared from PP and NR in the ratio of 15:85. The polymers used in this work not only serve as the matrix but also improve the microwave absorption properties. The first layer or impedance matching layer which is comprised of graphite, Fe₃O₄, and TiO₂ nanoparticles in PP‐NR transmits the electromagnetic (EM) wave without reflection. The second layer which is made up of PP‐NR filled with Fe₃O₄ disperses the EM wave energy. The design of a double‐layer nanocomposite is a method to match the wave impedance, enhance wave absorption ability, and broaden the absorption frequencies. In order to achieve high absorption properties, the EM parameters such as permittivity, permeability, and thickness were controlled precisely according to quarter‐wave plate. The morphology, absorption properties, scattering parameters, thermal and wetting characteristics of double‐layer nanocomposites were investigated. The minimum reflection loss (R_L) was ?32 dB at 12.1 GHz and the absorbing bandwidth in which the R_L < ?10 dB was 9 GHz for optimum specimen with 2 mm thickness. For this specimen, the contact angle was equal to 118.7° with water as the liquid. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46565.