Expanded Graphite/Novolac Phenolic Resin Composite as Single Layer Electromagnetic Wave Absorber for X-Band Applications

Expanded graphite/novolac phenolic resin (EG/NPR) composites are developed as dielectric absorbers with 4mm thickness and its microwave absorption ability studied in the frequency range 8.4 to 12.4 GHz. A high reflection loss similar to -43 dB is observed at 12.4 GHz for 5 wt. % EG/NPR composites. With the increase in EG concentration in the composite the reflection loss decreases and the absorption peak shifts towards lower frequency. 7 wt. %, 8 wt. % and 10 wt. % composites shows a 10dB absorption bandwidth of order of 1GHz. Light weight EG/NPR composite shows potential to be used as cost-effective broadband microwave absorber over the X-band.