Investigation of the radar absorption capability of carbon, iron and manganoxide doped polymer composites

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in Radar Absorption Materials (RAM), which are light, thin and have high electromagnetic wave absorption efficiency, which are produced for use in the military field for camouflage application against radar observation. It is very common for these materials to be used as coatings at the same time. New technologies and new materials need to be brought together in the development of such materials for vehicles that require concealment, such as aircraft and ground combat vehicles. In this study, it was aimed to examine the radar wave absorption properties of composite coatings obtained by combining polyurethane paint and different reinforcement (iron, manganese oxide and carbon) elements. Many studies have already been carried out on the subject, but in this study, it is emphasized that the method used is easy to apply and at the same time, the production of light and thin composite coating. Experimental samples were obtained by coating the metal (Aluminum) substrate surface by using the spray coating method as a result of homogeneously mixing submicron powders in different proportions added to the polyurethane paint. Different permeability values were sought with layer by layer coating (paint) application. Thermal analysis of polyurethane paint was measured with TGA/DSC, brand HITACHI/NEXT STA300. The X band (3-18 GHz) electromagnetic properties of the samples were measured with KEYSIGHT brand Agilent 2-Port PNA-L Network Analyzer. As a result of SEM analysis, it was observed that the morphology of Fe powders was in the form of ligamentous needle-like and sharp-edged, while the morphology of MnO2 was spherical, while C powders were in the form of intricate sharp edges. As a result of the Network analyzer, the highest absorption values in the analysis for C in one coat paint application were obtained by using the 1C10 sample in certain frequency bands. It is predicted that it can be used as a radome paint in samples with low absorption values, since the paint provides the desired adhesion condition.