FCIP/RGO functional core-enhanced flexible microwave absorption composites with shape memory properties and rapid self-healing abilities activated by infrared and microwave stimuli

• Core-shelled FCIP/RGO hybrid powder was fabricated via plasma-assisted ball milling . • FR/PUU composites exhibit enhanced tensile strength using FCIP/RGO particles as crosslinking agents. • FR/PUU composites achieve rapid self-healing through microwave-assisted technology. • FR/PUU composites possess shape memory functionality triggered by infrared stimuli. Traditional microwave absorbing materials often exhibit inflexibility, fragility, and limited functionality, thereby restricting their applications in diverse environments. To address these limitations, our study introduces FCIP/RGO hybrid powders with a core–shell structure prepared via plasma-assisted ball milling. These hybrid powders serve as the functional core when crosslinked with PUU elastomer to form a multifunctional FCIP/RGO/PUU composite. This functional core not only enhances the mechanical properties of the composite, achieving a tensile strength of 49.2 MPa, but also endows it with exceptional microwave absorption capabilities, characterized by a RL min of − 52.31 dB and a substantial EAB of 7.03 GHz. Furthermore, the FCIP/RGO functional core plays a crucial role in facilitating efficient microwave and infrared photothermal conversion. The integration of the thermal conversion capabilities with the PUU matrix, which features disulfide bonds and multiple hydrogen bonds, enables the composite to achieve rapid self-healing performance. Specially, after just 1 h of microwave treatment, it can recover up to 93 % of its original mechanical properties. In addition, the composite also boasts shape memory capabilities that can be triggered by infrared stimuli. With these unique properties, the FCIP/RGO/PUU composite holds significant potential for advanced applications such as wearable devices, deformable robots, and chip protection.