Experimental radar absorption in high-filling factor magnetic composites

TL;DR

This study investigates the electromagnetic and microwave absorption properties of magnetic polymer composites with varying filler types and filling factors, demonstrating their potential for stealth technology due to exceptional broadband absorption.

Contribution

It provides experimental data and modeling insights on radar absorption in magnetic composites, highlighting their broadband capabilities and potential for stealth applications.

Findings

Absorption reaches -40 dB experimentally

Models predict absorption could exceed -50 dB

Filler type and filling factor significantly affect absorption

Abstract

The electromagnetic properties and microwave absorption capabilities are studied in an anechoic chamber under real radar conditions for mono and bilayer composite samples consisting of a polymeric matrix and a magnetic powder filler, either metallic or ceramic. The effect of the filler type and the filling factor is investigated. The results demonstrate exceptional broadband microwave absorption, making these materials highly suitable for stealth technology applications. The experimentally measured absorptions reach -40 dB, while model-based predictions suggest that these systems could overpass the barrier of -50 dB. The experimental results are supported by models, both for single and bilayer systems.