Progress on Microwave Absorption Performance of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites

Abstract The current electromagnetic environment exhibits a growing demand for efficient microwave‐absorbing materials. Developing multifunctional and efficient wave‐absorbing materials poses a challenging research hotspot. Numerous researchers have dedicated their efforts to developing high‐performance broadband wave‐absorbing materials with outstanding mechanical properties. Utilizing carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (CFRP) for electromagnetic wave absorption (EMA) is a rapidly evolving field. Carbon fiber‐based EMA composites are characterized by high dielectric loss, high thermal stability, and low density, enabling them to achieve EMA properties while meeting mechanical property requirements. This review summarizes the principles of electromagnetic EMA, focusing on dielectric and magnetic losses, the preparation methods of CFRP, such as organic polymer synthesis, chemical vapor deposition, and vacuum forming processes, as well as their underlying principles. It also evaluates the research progress on the EMA properties of CFRP composites, particularly highlighting CFRP matrix modification and coating treatment. Finally, the challenges of CFRP EMA and potential future development directions are discussed. This analysis offers multiple recommendations for future researchers.