3D-Printing Metamaterials with A Quasi-Origami-Hive Structure for Broadband Microwave Absorption Base on Material-Structure Differentiated Strategy

Abstract

In the context of increasingly severe electromagnetic pollution, metamaterial microwave absorbers featuring specific three-dimensional architectures have garnered substantial attention. This is attributed to their exceptional microwave dissipation capabilities and unique electromagnetic wave attenuation mechanisms. However, the design of metamaterial absorbers that can concurrently achieve a thin thickness and a broad bandwidth remains a crucial challenge. To address this issue, we put forward a "material-structure" differentiated strategy by employing flake carbonyl iron powder as the filler to fabricate an ultra-broadband microwave absorber with a quasi-origami-hive structure via 3D-printing technology. The superior electromagnetic properties of flake carbonyl iron powder were utilized to enhance low-frequency dissipation. Meanwhile, the resonant coupling mechanism of the periodic structure extended the absorption bandwidth at high frequencies. A Harris hawk optimization algorithm was employed to optimize the unit geometric parameters. When the thickness of the metamaterial absorber was 3 mm, the effective absorption bandwidth reached 11.24 GHz (ranging from 6.76 to 18.00 GHz), with a minimum reflection loss of −30.70 dB. This represented a 175% improvement when compared with conventional plate-like materials of the same thickness. This work provides an innovative solution for electromagnetic compatibility, radar stealth, and electromagnetic protection of electronic components.