Microwave absorbing properties of carbon fiber based materials: A review and prospective

Microwave absorbing (MA) materials are frequently used in military and civilian applications. The researchers are focusing on the development of high performance but lightweight MA materials. Carbon fiber (CF) based MA materials are lightweight and offer a wide range of microwave absorption properties that can be fine-tuned for a particular application. A review of the endeavors toward the development of CF-based MA materials is presented here. Four types of CF-based materials for MA applications are considered, namely: CF reinforced composites, CFs deposited/coated with other materials, CF-based hybrid systems, and hollow and PCF-based microwave absorbers. Parameters affecting MA properties of CFs and derived materials have been assessed. It has been emphasized in the literature that the optimum characteristics of CF-based materials can be obtained by manipulating geometry, morphology, concentration, and treatment. Although the MA capability of CF alone is poor, in tandem with suitable materials or with special geometric features, they may serve as important MA materials. Interfacial polarization, uneven electron distribution, reflection loss (RL) and multiple reflections have significant roles in enhancing the microwave absorption of these materials.