Magnetic properties of carbonyl iron fibers and their microwave absorbing characterization as the filer in polymer foams

Carbonyl iron fibers were fabricated by magnetic-field-induced thermally decomposition of polymetallic carbonyl. Their fibrous morphology and magnetic properties were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) at room temperature respectively. The microwave characterizations of carbonyl iron fiber-filled foam composites were evaluated through arch test based on a network analyzer. The diameter and aspect ratio of the fibers have great influence on reflection loss. It was also found that carbonyl iron fiber-filled foam composites with small thinness and lightweight exhibit good microwave absorbing properties in the frequency of 8–18 GHz, 26–40 GHz and 75–110 GHz.