Dependence of microwave absorption properties on ferrite volume fraction in MnZn ferrite/rubber radar absorbing materials

We report the analysis of measurements of the complex magnetic permeability (μr) and dielectric permittivity (εr) spectra of a rubber radar absorbing material (RAM) with various MnZn ferrite volume fractions. The transmission/reflection measurements were carried out in a vector network analyzer. Optimum conditions for the maximum microwave absorption were determined by substituting the complex permeability and permittivity in the impedance matching equation. Both the MnZn ferrite content and the RAM thickness effects on the microwave absorption properties, in the frequency range of 2–18 GHz, were evaluated. The results show that the complex permeability and permittivity spectra of the RAM increase directly with the ferrite volume fraction. Reflection loss calculations by the impedance matching degree (reflection coefficient) show the dependence of this parameter on both thickness and composition of RAM.

► Permeability and permittivity spectra of a MnZn ferrite RAM (2–18 GHz) are given.
► Higher MnZn volume fraction favors increase of RAM\′s permeability and permittivity.
► Minimum RL as a function of frequency, thickness and MnZn volume fraction given.
► Higher thicknesses imply better absorption; optimum band shifts to lower frequencies.
► For higher volume fractions, smaller thickness might offer better absorption (>10 GHz).