Fabrication and characterization of iron coated carbon nanotubes/polymer composite for microwave absorption

Electrical characteristics of iron coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) along with ferromagnetic properties are very interesting nanomaterial for microwave absorption. In this research work, surface morphology, compositions and microwave absorption properties of polymer containing iron coated MWNTs have been investigated. Iron coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes composite were prepared by two simple steps method. In addition, microstructure and microwave absorption properties under frequency range 8÷13 GHz by means of FESEM, EDX &Vector network analyzer had shown. The maximum reflection loss is observed for Fe-coated MWNTs/polymer sample B is –20.86 dB and –18.13 dB at frequency 8.1 and 10.75 GHz respectively. And the maximum bandwidth window is available for sample C is 3.25 GHz from frequency 8.45 to 11.7 GHz with 3 mm thickness, which can be attributed to synergistic effect of improved impedance matching characteristic and superior microwave attenuation characteristic of the absorber. The reflection properties of the material enhanced with variations in the wt.% of Fe-coated MWNTs and polymer. In this research paper, Fe-coated MWNTs are analyzed as promising microwave absorbing material and combined utilization of dielectric loss and magnetic loss absorbent design shows great design flexibility and diversity in the frequency range 8÷13 GHz.