Microwave absorption properties of flexible fabric coating containing Ni decorated carbon fiber with frequency selection surface incorporation

Reasonable application of double-loss absorber is one of the effective ways to improve the absorption performance of materials. In this study, Nickel (Ni) plated carbon fiber was successfully prepared by electroless plating, and Ni particles with different crystal forms were obtained by high temperature heat treatment. In addition, the modified magnetic carbon fiber is mixed with strong magnetic FeSiAl powders to improve its electromagnetic properties to obtain excellent absorbing performance. The structural characterization and analysis of the composite powders showed that the nickel particles were successfully attached to the carbon fiber surface. Further exploration of the Ni plated carbon fiber after heat treatment, the composite powders had the best absorption performance, and the minimum reflection loss value could reach −19.11 dB. Combined with the periodic frequency selection surface (FSS), the minimum reflection loss and effective bandwidth are further improved, which are −51.76 dB and the whole X band frequency range. This work helps to developing the flexible fabric coating with strong absorbility and thin thickness.