Enhanced electromagnetic characteristics of porous iron particles made by a facile corrosion technique

For the first time, detailed investigation into the formation of porous iron particles (PIPs) via a facile corrosion technique is reported. The complex permittivity, permeability, and electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption properties of the products were characterized at 2–18 GHz. Compared with compact iron particles, PIPs had higher complex permittivity and permeability, which were strongly dependent on their microstructure. Wax composites containing 20 vol% PIPs showed a strong absorption peak of −42.2 dB at 13.2 GHz, a low area density of 0.387 g cm−2, and a bandwidth (≤−20 dB) of about 10.0 GHz. The enhanced multipolarization, multiple dispersion, and interference of EM waves in pores led to excellent EM wave absorption properties. The PIPs may be candidates for EM wave absorption materials with thinness, lightness, width, and strength.

► An original and facile corrosion technique for preparation of porous iron particles.
► Microstructure control of porous iron particles.
► Microstructure dependence of static magnetic and microwave electromagnetic characteristics of porous iron particles.