Ultrathin Flexible Carbon Fiber Reinforced Hierarchical Metastructure for Broadband Microwave Absorption with Nano Lossy Composite and Multiscale Optimization

The implementation of thin structure for broadband microwave absorption is challenging due to the requirement of impedance match across several frequency bands and poor mechanical properties. Herein, we demonstrate a carbon fiber (CF) reinforced flexible thin hierarchical metastructure (HM) composed of lossy materials including carbonyl iron (CI), multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and silicone rubber (SR) with thickness of 5 mm and optimal concentration selected from 12 formulas. Optimization for the periodical unit size is applied, and impacts of structural sizes on absorption performance are also investigated. An effective process combining the vacuum bag method and the hand lay-up technique is used to fabricate the HM. Experimental reflectivity of the absorber achieves broadband absorption below -10 dB in 2-4 GHz and 8-40 GHz. The full band in 2-40 GHz is covered below -8 dB. Yielding stress of the HM is increased to 24 MPa with attachment of CF, while the fracture strain of the composite reaches 550%. The soft HM is suitable to adhere to the curved surface of objects needed to be protected from microwave radiation detection and electromagnetic interference. Enhanced mechanical properties make it possible for further practical applications under harsh service environments such as the ocean and machines with constant vibration.