Structure and Microwave Absorption Properties of Polyaniline/Zn Ferrite Composites

Abstract

Polyaniline (PANI)/Zn ferrite composites were fabricated by simple two-step method. The crystal phase, particle size, morphology, thermal stability and conductivity were characterized. Electromagnetic parameters of PANI/Zn ferrite composites were measured at room temperature in the frequency of 2–18[Formula: see text]GHz. The prepared composite had an amorphous fluffy structure, Zn ferrite nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 20[Formula: see text]nm to 30[Formula: see text]nm are encapsulated in PANI or on PANI surface, and the thermal stability of the composite is poor. But Zn ferrite content plays a key role in influencing this structure and regulating microwave attenuation capability. The PANI/Zn ferrite composites showed an enhanced microwave absorption performance in Ku band at thin coating thickness which corresponds to RL value below [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB and the minimum reflection loss (RL) is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB at 17.6[Formula: see text]GHz with the coating thickness of 1.4[Formula: see text]mm.