High-performance cobalt-embedded SiC nanofiber fabric for microwave dissipation

The incorporation of magnetic ingredients is critical for ceramic-based microwave absorbers with high efficiency. However, this task is becoming challenging due to the dispersion and oxidation issues. In this study, metal-organic framework (MOF) ZIF-67 was employed as the precursor of magnetic compounds and combined with a polymer solution to fabricate SiC textiles using the electrospinning technique. The microstructure analysis confirmed the successful introduction of MOF particles within the SiC nanofibers. Further examination of chemical compositions and magnetic properties revealed the encapsulation of magnetic compounds in hybrid SiC textiles. Since the applied fabrication approach ensures a superior dispersion and protection of metal compounds in a ceramic matrix, the microwave absorption of SiC fabric with both dielectric loss and magnetic loss exhibits a high reflection loss of −59.4 dB and a wide effective absorption band of 5.70 GHz. The current fabrication strategy for fabricating microwave absorbers with dual loss mechanisms advances the development of ceramic-based microwave absorption materials.