EExperimental Evaluation of the Effect of Combining a Two-Phase Nano-Composite Containing AL2O3 and NbC in a Surface-Coated Resin Matrix: a Study Based on Dielectric Losses and Radar Reflectance

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Graduate Education, Shahid Sattari University of Aeronautical Sciences and Technology, Tehran, Iran

2 School of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Aerospace Engineering, Shahid Sattari University of Aeronautical Sciences and Technology, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Electromagnetic wave-absorbing polymer nano-coatings are recognized as important for advanced electromagnetic shielding and wave management applications. In this study, a novel two-phase Al₂O₃/NbC polymer nano-composite within an epoxy resin matrix is introduced, incorporating dual silane surface treatments (APTMS and GPTMS) to enhance interfacial bonding and ensure uniform dispersion of the reinforcing materials. A designed experimental (DOE) plan was implemented before the fabrication process to determine the optimal weight fractions of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and niobium carbide (NbC). Subsequently, chemical bonding, particle surface modification, and matrix homogenization were performed, and the samples were prepared in rectangular molds suitable for electromagnetic rectangular wave guide measurements in the 8.2–12.5 GHz range. The structural and chemical characteristics were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results obtained from electromagnetic absorption and reflection measurements within the 8.2–12.5 GHz frequency range show that sample No.1, with a higher NbC content, demonstrates stronger absorption near 9.5 GHz but reduced performance at higher frequencies. Sample No.2, containing a balanced ratio of Al₂O₃ and NbC, exhibits a more uniform response across the frequency range, while sample No.3, with a higher Al₂O₃ fraction, presents improved impedance matching, enhanced dielectric loss, and absorption exceeding 80% throughout 8.2–12.5 GHz, accompanied by a reflection reduction of approximately 6%. These results indicate that tuning the weight fraction of the two phases allows optimization of broadband absorption performance. Overall, the dual-phase Al₂O₃/NbC system with surface-modified particles can achieve efficient, broadband electromagnetic absorption, offering potential for advanced shielding and wave control applications for aerospace industries.

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Main Subjects

References

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Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures
Volume 14, Issue 1 - Serial Number 29
In Progress
April 2027
Pages 135-150

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