# Electromagnetic Wave-Absorption Properties of FDM-Printed Acrylonitrile–Styrene–Acrylate/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite Structures

## TL;DR

This paper explores using 3D-printed materials to create lightweight, weather-resistant electromagnetic wave absorbers for aerospace and compatibility applications.

## Contribution

A novel FDM-based fabrication method for ASA/MWCNT composites with optimized structural designs for enhanced wave absorption.

## Key findings

- A 2 mm-thick composite plate with 2% MWCNT achieved a minimum reflection loss of −18.16 dB and 3.75 GHz absorption bandwidth.
- Gradient honeycomb structures achieved −32.60 dB reflection loss and 6.56 GHz absorption bandwidth.
- Stacked stake structures showed a broader 10.58 GHz absorption bandwidth with −22.82 dB reflection loss.

## Abstract

The growing need for lightweight, customizable electromagnetic wave absorbers with weather resistance in aerospace and electromagnetic compatibility applications motivates this study, which addresses the limitations of conventional materials in simultaneously achieving structural efficiency, broadband absorption, and environmental durability. We propose a fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based approach for fabricating lightweight wave-absorbing structures using acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites. Results demonstrate that CST Studio Suite simulations reveal a minimum reflection loss of −18.16 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (RL < −10 dB) of 3.75 GHz for the 2 mm-thick composite plate when the MWCNT content is 2%. Through FDM fabrication and structural optimization, significant performance enhancements are achieved: The gradient honeycomb design with larger dimensions achieved an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.56 GHz and a minimum reflection loss of −32.60 dB. Meanwhile, the stacked stake structure exhibited a broader effective absorption bandwidth of 10.58 GHz, with its lowest reflection loss reaching −22.82 dB. This research provides innovative approaches for developing and manufacturing tailored lightweight electromagnetic wave-absorbing structures, which could be valuable for aerospace stealth technology and electromagnetic compatibility solutions.