Super-Wideband Electromagnetic Absorbing TiC/SiOC Ceramic/Glass Composites Derived from Polysiloxane and Titanium Isopropoxide with Low Thickness (<1 mm)

Herein, TiC/SiOC ceramic/glass composites with excellent electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing performance are fabricated by pyrolysis of polycarbosiloxane and titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP). By taking advantage of the polymer-derived route, the phase compositions and microstructures are easily tuned. The composites are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy. Nanoscaled TiC is formed and uniformly distributed without clustering within the SiOC matrix. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and in situ XRD results revealed good thermal stability and oxidation resistance mechanism. The presented material system (TiC/SiOC) shows a super-wide microwave absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 13.5 GHz, including the entire Ka-band (26.5-40 GHz) with a low thickness requirement (<1 mm). The superior EMW absorption properties of the ceramics are attributed to the optimal interface polarization, as well as the ordering, concentration, and interconnectivity of the conductive network, which all determine the electrical conductivity in the composites.

Automated summary

TiC/SiOC ceramic/glass composites with excellent electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing performance are fabricated using a polymer-derived method. The optimal interface polarization and the ordering, concentration, and interconnectivity of the conductive network contribute to the superior EMW absorption properties of the composites.