Microwave absorption properties of carbon nanotubes dispersed in alumina ceramic

Ceramic nanocomposites of alumina and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are experimentally studied for use as microwave absorbers in particle accelerators. The weight percentage of multi-walled CNTs in SPS sintered nanocomposite samples is varied from 0.5 to 10% and the complex permittivity is measured. The RF absorption is strong and relatively flat in the frequency band 1–40 GHz for a CNT weight percentage in the range 1–2.5%, which is just above the percolation threshold. The permittivity is observed to increase dramatically with increasing CNT weight percentage above the percolation threshold as observed elsewhere, and in accordance with theoretical treatments. The electromagnetic properties of the nanocomposites are little changed in going from 294 K to 77 K. The DC conductivity of the alumina-CNT nanocomposite is also sufficient to drain static charge in particle accelerator beamline environments, even at cryogenic temperatures. Fabrication of the nanocomposites using an industrial RF sintering process compatible with large sizes shows that the microwave absorption properties of small samples are similar to those of the SPS sintered samples.