This research is devoted to the study of radar absorbing properties of the composites, based on the epoxy binder and carbon nanotubes (CNT) in the frequency range of 52-73 GHz. Three species of unmodified multi-walled CNT differing in length and diameter were investigated as fillers. The reflection coefficients (K refl) at the radar absorbing material (RAM)-air interface and the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) absorption coefficients (K abs) in the materials with the different content of nanotubes were measured (K refl and K abs were calculated using the highest (the worst) value of the voltage standing-wave ratio (VSWR) in the frequency range of 52-73 GHz). It was established that the increase in nanotubes aspect ratio (a ratio of CNT length to its diameter) leads to K abs rising for polymer composites. Also, CNT diameter decrease leads to K refl reduction. CNT of 8-15 nm in diameter and more than 2 μm in length are the most effective from all investigated fillers. The reflection loss values were calculated and CNT optimal concentrations were obtained at different thickness of RAMs.
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