D. Bychanok

Anisotropic electromagnetic properties of polymer composites containing oriented multiwall carbon nanotubes in respect to terahertz polarizer applications

Polystyrene composites with 0.5 wt. % loading of oriented multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been produced by forge rolling method. The composites showed anisotropy of transmission and reflection of terahertz radiation depending on sample orientation relative to the polarization of electromagnetic wave. The structural characteristics of composites (nanotube ordering, length, defectiveness) were estimated by fitting the theoretical dependencies calculated within the Clausius-Mossotti formalism for cylindrical particles to the experimental data. The presented model was used for prediction of electromagnetic response of composites containing oriented MWCNTs with various structural parameters in THz region.

Characterizing epoxy composites filled with carbonaceous nanoparticles from dc to microwave

We have used several methods to measure the effective complex permittivity of epoxy composites filled with carbonaceous (carbon black, single-walled carbon nanotube, and multi-walled carbon nanotube) over nine decades of frequency. The composite samples were fabricated by shear mixing. The spectral analysis of permittivity of these nanocomposites is in good agreement with Jonschers modelling. We point out, taking these examples, that the experimental frequency dependence of the effective permittivity has a range of interesting properties. The likely transport mechanisms responsible for the dielectric relaxation in these samples can be modelled by the dipolar relaxation and anomalous low-frequency dispersion below and above percolation, respectively.

Anisotropy of the Electromagnetic Properties of Polymer Composites Based on Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes in the Gigahertz Frequency Range

Polymer composite materials have been prepared of multiwall carbon nanotubes synthesized by aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition. To give them anisotropic properties, the obtained films have been subjected to tension. As a result of this deformation, the carbon nanotubes have been preferably oriented in the direction of the tension. The anisotropy of the relative permittivity of the extended films has been measured in the frequency range of 26–37 GHz (Ka band). A model of the correlation between the extent of the response anisotropy and the strain of the composite film has been elaborated. A way to control the electromagnetic response of the material on the basis of the elaborated model has been proposed.

A study of random resistor-capacitor-diode networks to assess the electromagnetic properties of carbon nanotube filled polymers

We determined the frequency dependent effective permittivity of a large ternary network of randomly positioned resistors, capacitors, and diodes. A linear circuit analysis of such systems is shown to match the experimental dielectric response of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) filled polymers. This modeling method is able to reproduce the two most important features of SWCNT filled composites, i.e. the low frequency dispersion and dipolar relaxation. As a result of the modeling important physical conclusion proved by the experimental data was done: the low frequency behavior of SWCNT-filled polymer composites is mostly caused by the fraction of semiconducting SWCNTs.

Hollow carbon spheres in microwaves: Bio inspired absorbing coating

The electromagnetic response of a heterostructure based on a monolayer of hollow glassy carbon spheres packed in 2D was experimentally surveyed with respect to its response to microwaves, namely, the Ka-band (26–37 GHz) frequency range. Such an ordered monolayer of spheres mimics the well-known “moth-eye”-like coating structures, which are widely used for designing anti-reflective surfaces, and was modelled with the long-wave approximation. Based on the experimental and modelling results, we demonstrate that carbon hollow spheres may be used for building an extremely lightweight, almost perfectly absorbing, coating for Ka-band applications.

Electromagnetic properties of polyurethane template-based carbon foams in Ka-band

The electromagnetic (EM) properties of polyurethane template-based reticulated carbon foams were investigated in the 26–37 GHz microwave frequency range (Ka-band). It was experimentally proved that carbon foams of a thickness of 2 mm and a density of 22–55 mg cm−3 are almost not transparent to microwave radiation, and this is especially true for the densest ones. Depending on bulk density, the EM response of carbon foams in the microwave region can be mainly accounted for by either reflection or absorption. EM shielding efficiency of more dilute samples is due to absorption mechanisms, whereas denser foams provide up to 80% reflection of EM signals. EM properties of carbon foams in the Ka-band can be accurately predicted by a very simple model based on Fresnel formulae developed in this communication.

Fully carbon metasurface: Absorbing coating in microwaves

The microwave-absorbing properties of a heterostructure consisting of an ordered monolayer of porous glassy carbon spheres were experimentally and theoretically investigated in the Ka-band (26–37 GHz) frequency range. The electromagnetic response of such a “moth-eye”-like all-carbon metasurface at a normal incidence angle was modelled on the basis of long-wave approximation. Modelling parameters in the Ka-band were used to estimate and predict the absorption properties of monolayers in free space in the range 1–40 GHz. Experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that a metasurface based on porous glassy carbon spheres is an inert, lightweight, compact, and perfectly absorbing material for designing new effective microwave absorbers in various practically used frequency ranges.

Design of Carbon Nanotube-Based Broadband Radar Absorber for Ka-Band Frequency Range

The general principles of design and development of microwave absorbing materials are discussed and analysed in respect to 26–37 GHz frequency range (Ka-band). Dispersive composite materials based on carbon nanotubes in epoxy resin matrix are produced, and their electromagnetic responses are investigated in Ka-band. Both theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that presented composites may be used as compact effective absorbers in 26–37 GHz range.

Exploring carbon nanotubes / BaTiO3 / Fe3O4 Nanocomposites as microwave absorbers

This work was supported in part by FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IRSES-610875 NAmiceMC, FP7 Twinning Grant Inconet EaP 004. P. Kuzhir is thankful for support by Tomsk State University Competitiveness Improvement Program. Lab-STICC is UMR CNRS 6285.

Microwave radiation absorbers based on corrugated composites with carbon fibers

A complex analysis of the dependence of the absorption coefficient of polymer composites with nonmagnetic carbon inclusions on the real and imaginary parts of the complex permittivity, as well as on the material thickness is performed in frequency range 26–37 GHz. The composites containing 0.2 wt % of carbon fibers have been obtained. It has been experimentally found that the corrugation of the composite surface substantially increases the absorbability (from 63 to 92% at a frequency of 30 GHz and a thickness of 4.50 mm) upon a decrease in the sample mass (by 28%). A method has been proposed for calculating the absorptance of corrugated composites in the microwave range.