Wave-transmitting material to optimize impedance matching and enhance microwave absorption properties of flaky carbonyl iron coating

Flaky carbonyl iron particles/nano silicon dioxide/Polyurethane (FCIP/SiO2/PU) composites coatings were fabricated. And FCIP were fabricated from sphere carbonyl iron particles (SCIP) by ball milling. The electromagnetic parameters of absorbers (SCIP, FCIP and SiO2) and the reflection loss (RL) of coatings were measured in the frequency range of 2–18 GHz. The results showed that the complex permeability and absorbing properties of FCIP are significantly enhanced compared with SCIP because of its smaller thickness and easy magnetization plane. In addition, as a low dielectric material, SiO2 can build more wave-transmission channels and optimize the impedance matching, making more electromagnetic wave transmitting into the coatings and being attenuated. Due to the addition of SiO2, the absorbing properties and effective absorption bandwidth of coatings are further enhanced. The reflection loss values exceeding − 10 dB can be obtained in the frequency range of 8.5–18 GHz with a thickness of 1 mm.