Multiwall-carbon nanotubes and carbon microbeads hybrid utilized for microwave absorption: A cost effective approach

Materials for stealth application requires efficient microwave absorption ability. Since in real practice they have to be applied on large platforms so the uniform dispersion with proper coating of these materials are of utmost importance. Quantity of material requires is high so altogether the cost of coating material defines their overall usage. In this regard hybrid composite material of micro with nano form had been explored as newer microwave absorber. The hybrid involved low cost carbon microspheres which were porous at their surface. These microbeads were well dispersed in the epoxy matrix with the help of modified Multiwall Carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). A minimum amount of 2% modified MWCNTs with 7% microbeads showed efficient microwave absorption in X band region. Thus this novel hybrid material paves path for easy, low cost and bulk production of functional material which could be utilized for effective microwave absorption application.