Reduced-graphene-oxide-and-strontium-titanate-based double-layered composite: an efficient microwave-absorbing material

Microwave-absorbing materials based on reduced graphene oxide (r-GO)/strontium titanate were prepared by embedding in epoxy matrix. R-GO and strontium titanate were synthesized and characterized before composite fabrication. Microstructures of the constituent elements were studied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Microwave absorption capabilities of the composite absorbers were investigated using a Vector Network Analyser in the range 8-12 GHz. A maximum reflection loss of -7.5 and -16.4 dB was obtained at 9.3 and 12.08 GHz, respectively, for 2% (w/w) r-GO-loaded epoxy composites. A maximum attenuation of -12.8 dB at 9.3 GHz was obtained for the strontium titanate/epoxy composite. However, double-layer composite with r-GO/strontium titanate/epoxy composition showed the maximum reflection loss of -15.1 dB at 9.47 GHz and -9.65 dB at 12.3 GHz. All the results are discussed in terms of complex permeability and permittivity. The study revealed that intrinsic conductivity and polarization of the r-GO particles and dielectric polarization of the strontium titanate within epoxy matrix contribute to the microwave absorption.