Synthesis, characterization of Fe3O4/polymer composites with stealth capabilities
T.H. Ting
Abstract
We have successfully fabricated the magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles by using the simple method and dispersed with epoxy resin and polyethylene. The resulting composites have potential for application in microwave and thermal image absorption. The products developed were identified by the FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and electron microscopy techniques. The absorption of microwaves of the Fe3O4 composite powders is determined from the magnetic (permeability) and dielectric (permittivity) properties, by fitting the samples in free space method, for reflectivity levels in the frequency range from 2 to 18 to 18–40 GHz. The absorption characteristics of Fe3O4 composites, mixed with epoxy resin, for different thickness of the sample have also been investigated. The results demonstrate that the best reflectivity properties and microwave absorbing frequency bands shifting were observed in the ranges from 2 to 18 to 18–40 GHz. Infrared thermal image screen experiments at 3–5 μm (mid-wave infrared MWIR) and 8–12 μm (long-wave infrared LWIR) were taken to analyse the infrared attenuating efficacy of the composites. The values of these measurements indicated that thermal infrared reduction can be achieved using a composite of Fe3O4 and polyethylene.