Synthesis and characterization of M-type; BaTiCo0.5Mn0.3Ni0.2Fe10O19 nano ferrite composite via synergistic nano-alloying and thermal processing and its application for microwave absorption

Abstract

The rising demand for cutting-edge microwave absorbers in stealth technology and innovative communication systems necessitates the production of materials with enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption and enhanced dielectric and magnetic properties. Herein, this study explores the potential of the M-type hexagonal nanoferrite composite, BaTiCo_0.5Mn_0.3Ni_0.2Fe₁₀O₁₉, for microwave absorption applications. The composite was prepared using a nano-alloying thermo-mechanical process, incorporating calcination (C), sintering (S), and high-energy nano-alloying (H) techniques. The result of electromagnetic (EM) parameters shows that the composite exhibits a superior reflection loss (R_L) of -38.28 dB at 12.9 GHz with a thickness of 2 mm in the CSH composite. The synergistic approach of calcination, sintering, and nano-alloying enhances crystallinity while preserving the nanometric microstructure, resulting in a large surface area and improved exchange coupling, positively influencing microwave absorption properties. The substitution of elements increases permittivity (ε’) to approximately 8.6 and permeability (µ’) to 1.43, respectively, resulting in enhanced dielectric polarization and superior microwave absorption. Also, the results demonstrate that BaTiCo_0.5Mn_0.3Ni_0.2Fe₁₀O₁₉, with its high dielectric loss (ε’’ up to 0.45 at 15.9 GHz) and high magnetic loss (µ’’ up to 0.79 at 12.6 GHz), can serve as an effective ferrite-based microwave absorber in epoxy composites. This ferrite nanoparticle composite’s outstanding microwave absorption performance in the Ku-bands makes it a promising material for applications in stealth technology and advanced communication systems.