Abstract:
The development of radar absorbing materials (RAM) has gained significant attention due to their crucial role in stealth technology and electromagnetic interference shielding. In this study, we present the synthesis and characterization of a multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) based nanocomposite incorporated with MnFe2O4, Fe3O4, and Co nanoparticles for enhanced radar absorption performance. The nanocomposite was prepared using a facile and cost-effective coprecipitation method, which ensures uniform dispersion of the magnetic nanoparticles on the MWCNTs surface. The resulting nanocomposite was then thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The XRD analysis confirms the successful formation of MnFe2O4, Fe3O4, and Co nanoparticles in the nanocomposite. TEM and SEM images reveal the well-dispersed magnetic nanoparticles anchored onto the MWCNTs' surface, forming a stable and interconnected nanostructure. The EDX analysis further confirms the presence of MnFe2O4, Fe3O4, and Co elements within the nanocomposite. Moreover, VSM measurements demonstrate the magnetic behavior of the nanocomposite, indicating its potential for efficient radar absorbing applications.
The radar absorbing properties of the MWCNTs-MnFe2O4-Fe3O4-Co nanocomposite were evaluated using reflection loss (RL) measurements in the frequency range of interest. The nanocomposite exhibited exceptional RL values over a wide bandwidth, signifying its potential as a high-performance RAM. The superior radar absorption performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the MWCNTs and magnetic nanoparticles, which provide enhanced impedance matching and multiple polarization mechanisms.
Overall, the MWCNTs-MnFe2O4-Fe3O4-Co nanocomposite showcases great promise as an efficient and lightweight radar absorbing material. This study offers valuable insights into the design and synthesis of advanced nanocomposites for
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cutting-edge RAM applications, opening up new avenues for the development of next-generation electromagnetic wave absorbers.