Electromagnetic absorbing properties of graphene–polymer composite shields

A graphene-based composite, consisting of a thermosetting polymeric matrix filled with multilayer graphene microsheets (MLGs), is developed for application in thin radar absorbing materials. An innovative simulation model is proposed for the calculation of the effective permittivity and electrical conductivity of the composite, and used for the electromagnetic design of thin radar absorbing screens. The model takes into account the effects of the MLG morphology and of the fabrication process on the effective electromagnetic properties of the composite. Experimental tests demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach and the accuracy of the developed simulation models, which allow to understand the interaction mechanism between the incident electromagnetic field radiation and the MLG-based composite. Two dielectric Salisbury screen prototypes with resonant frequency at 12 GHz or 12.5 GHz and total thickness of 1.8 mm and 1.7 mm, respectively, are fabricated and tested. The results and technique proposed represent a simple and effective approach to produce thin absorbing screens for application in stealth technology or electromagnetic interference suppression.