Microwave properties of the talc filled polypropylene

A microwave bench operating in the frequency range 8–12 GHz (X-band) was used to investigate some of the electrical characteristics of the talc filled polypropylene composite. The impedance, return loss, and insertion loss are measured as a function of frequency in the X-band range. It was found that electromagnetic waves interact with the material via the impurities, inclusions and voids existing in the bulk composite. The impedance, return loss and insertion loss show relatively low frequency dependence. Also, the return loss and the impedance exhibit a resonance behaviour at 11.91 GHz. The results suggest that this composite material could be used in some microwave applications.