Effect of surface modification on microwave absorbing properties of magnetic metal fibers

In order to avoid forming an electrical conductive network due to surface connections, the magnetic metal fibers were coated with SiO2 for surface modification by the sol-gel process. The microstructure, composition and electromagnetic characteristics of SiO2-coated and uncoated metal fibers were studied using SEM, EDAX, and a voter network analyzer. The reflectivity was simulated using the RAMCAD software. The electromagnetic parameters and absorption properties of SiO2-coated metal fibers were improved greatly due to optimal impendence matching and the electric conductivity decreased, compared to those of uncoated materials.