Ultralight and superelastic polyvinyl alcohol/SiC nanofiber/reduced graphene oxide hybrid foams with excellent thermal insulation and microwave absorption properties

Being in the strategic direction of next-generation absorbers, multifunctional microwave absorbing materials possess great application value in military and commercial fields. However, the stringent requirements for performance necessitate the combination of multiple functions in such type of composites, which is still a challenge. This work aims to develop a foam-type absorber composed of multi-dimensional organic and inorganic materials, in which reduced graphene oxide sheets and polyvinyl alcohol membranes serve as the framework and crosslinker to form a three-dimensional skeleton. Meanwhile, SiC nanofibers as a reinforcing component can effectively suppress the over-stacking of reduced graphene oxide and enhance the conductivity and mechanical strength of cell walls. Among the remarkable microwave absorbing properties of the obtained foam, there are the ultra-light (9.85 mg cm-3), broadband (7.04 GHz), and strong absorption (reflection loss of -61.02 dB), all combined in the ultra-thin (2.5 mm). In addition, the foam possesses superelastic and excellent heat-insulating characteristics that ensure shock resistance, heat preservation, and infrared stealth. The remarkable versatility benefits from the porous structure, as well as from the synergistic effect of multi-dimensional organic and inorganic constituents of the foam. Therefore this study lays the foundation for the design of new-generation microwave absorbers with broad application potential.