Enhanced microwave absorption properties in cobalt–zinc ferrite based nanocomposites

• We enhanced the magnetic properties of cobalt–zinc Ferrite nanocomposites.
• The samples showed absorption in the whole C-band and 30% of the X-band frequencies.
• We tried to solve the problem of the spinel ferrite utilized as efficient absorber.
• We enhanced the microwave reflection loss over extended frequency ranges.

In an attempt to find a solution to the problem of the traditional spinel ferrite used as the microwave absorber, the Co0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4–Paraffin nanocomposites were investigated. Cobalt–zinc ferrite powders, synthesized through PVA sol–gel method, were combined with differing concentrations of Paraffin wax. The nanocomposite samples were characterized employing various experimental techniques including X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Alternating Gradient Force Magnetometer (AGFM), and Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). The saturation magnetization and coercivity were enhanced utilizing appropriate stoichiometry, coordinate agent, and sintering temperature required for the preparation of cobalt–zinc ferrite. The complex permittivity and permeability spectra, and Reflection Loss (RL) of Co0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4–Paraffin nanocomposites were measured in the frequency range of 1–18 GHz. The microwave absorption properties of nanocomposites indicated that the absorbing composite containing 20 wt% of paraffin manifests the strongest microwave attenuation ability. The composite exhibited the reflection loss less than –10 dB in the whole C-band and 30% of the X-band frequencies.