Optimisation of microwave absorption of carbon nanotube composites through use of carboxyl-epoxide functional group linkages

Lightweight, flexible and highly efficient microwave absorbing singlewalled carbon nanotube (SWNT)/polymer composites were fabricated through chemical functionalisation to ensure uniform dispersion of SWNTs in a polymer matrix. These composites were used to fabricate thin electromagnetic absorption coatings, which achieve a maximum reflection loss (RL) magnitude of 24 dB at X-band frequencies. Based on analysis of measured results it is discovered that the frequency of peak absorption is dependent on coating thickness (d ) and filler wt%. Trade-offs between d and SWNT wt% are discussed with respect to peak |RL|.