Microwave Absorption Properties in Epoxy Resin Multi

Walled Carbon Nanotubes Composites

M. Giorcelli1, P. Savi2, A. Delogu3, M. Miscuglio2, Y.M. Hajj Yahya 2, A. Tagliaferro1

Abstract − In the ongoing search for new materials for
microwave absorption applications, carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
deserve a special consideration due to their outstanding
properties. In this paper, the microwave absorbing properties of
epoxy resin based composites containing three different types
of commercial Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs)
used as fillers have been analyzed. The complex permittivity of
the composites has been experimentally determined. These data
were used to simulate the absorbing properties in the frequency
band 3-18 GHz of a single-layer absorber backed by a metallic
plate considering several concentration of CNTs.
1 INTRODUCTION
There is an increasing demand for lightweight and
Radar Absorbing Material (RAM) in both commercial
and military applications. Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs)
and graphene have already been investigated for
microwave absorption applications [1-4] due to their
great thermal stability, reluctance toward chemical
agents and excellent mechanical and electrical
properties. CNTs are much more attractive for the
preparation of RAMs with respect to graphene [1] and
graphene oxide [5] because their large scale production
is more economical and they are less troublesome to
disperse in host polymers. As a matter of fact CNTs
have been used as polymer fillers for a number of years
in order to improve polymer characteristics [6]. Even
at low filler contents, they can improve the mechanical
and electrical performances of the host polymer.
Moreover, CNTs have aspect ratios (i.e. length vs
diameters ratio), that can exceed 1000. These special
properties make CNTs excellent candidates for high
strength and electrically conductive polymer nano-
composite applications.
2 CNTs COMPOSITES CHARACTERISTICS
Samples have been prepared starting from a
commercial epoxy resin and a number of commercial
MWCNTs having different lengths and diameters. The
commercial epoxy resin (Epilox®, T 19-36/700) used
in this work is a modified, low viscosity epoxy resin
with reduced crystallization tendency. It has been
1
Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy,
mauro.giorcelli@polito.it, alberto.tagliaferro@polito.it.
2
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication (DET), Politecnico di Torino, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy,
patrizia.savi@polito.it.
3
Selex ES, Caselle (TO), Italy, andrea.delogu@selex-es.com
chosen among other polymers because it is thermoset
and can withstand temperatures comparable to those
reached when microwave absorption applications are
targeted. The characteristics of commercial MWCNTs
(Cheaptubes, Nanothinx) are summarized in Table 1.
They are selected in order to understand the influence
of parameters (length, diameters) on the microwave
behaviour.
MWCNTs Diameter Length Purity
filler (nm) (ȝm) (%)
1 30-50 0,5-2 >95
2 25-45 >10 >98
3 6-10 >10 >90
Tab. 1: Multi walled carbon nanotubes used.
2.1 Samples preparation
MWCNTs have been dispersed in Epilox in desired
concentration using the following procedure [7]:
1. MWCNTs and Epilox quantities are weighted via
digital balance and preliminary mixed together with
a metallic spatula
2. The mixture is dispersed using an UltraTurrax®
mixer for 10 minutes in order to create a well
dispersed solution
3. Curing agent (Epilox® Hardner H 10-31: liquid,
colourless, modified cycloaliphatic polyamine
apoxide adduct) is added to the mixture in 6:10
ratio and a 10 minutes mechanical stirring
performed
4. The mixture is slowly poured in 27 mm in diameter
cylindrical moulds
5. Nanocomposite is degassed in a vacuum chamber
for 20 minutes
6. Final product is dried in oven for 3 hours at 70°C
Figure 1: Samples compared with one euro coin.

978-1-4673-5707-4/13/$31.00 ©2013 IEEE

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2.2 Morphological analysis

Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy

(FESEM Zeiss Supra-40) images of cryo fractured
samples are shown in Fig. 2. They show the dispersion
degree of the filler inside polymeric matrix (a,b,c) and
the outer CNTs structure. CNTs, because of Van der
Waals forces, are usually bundled (see fig.1 d). Figure 3: Measurement set up.
Bundles are broken by applying a strong shear force.
3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In Fig. 4 the real part of the permittivity and tanį for

a) b)
nanocomposite of type 3 are shown. Results for three
different MWCNTs concentrations (1-3-5 wt%) are
shown and compared with pure Epilox resin.

c) d)

Figure 2: FESEM analysis on nanocomposite at 3%

of MWCNTs: a) type 1, b) type 2, c) type 3, d)
bundle of MWCNTs type 3 as it is.

2.4 Permittivity measurements

The complex permittivity e = e'+ je ' ' of pure

Epoxy resin and of the three different composites was
measured in the frequency range 3 -18 GHz. The real
part e' of the complex permittivity is related to the
polarization characteristics of the material. The
imaginary part e ' ' is related to the effective electrical
conductivity ( ı = Ȧİ 0 İ ' ' , İ 0 being the free-space
permittivity and Ȧ the angular frequency of the em
wave). Samples were measured using a commercial
capacitive sensor (Agilent 85070D) and a Network
Analyzer (E8361A) (see Fig.3).
This measurement system has been chosen because Figure 4: Type 3 characteristics at 1%, 3%, 5%
it allows a wide-band characterization and it can be MWCNTs wt% compared with pure Epilox resin.
used on samples of small dimension. Free-space
measurements require at least 15 cm x 15 cm samples, In type 3 composite the values of the complex
whereas waveguides method needs an accurate permittivity increase with the increase of the
manufacturing of the sample to be inserted in the concentration of CNTs more than in types 1 and 2.
waveguide. Hence, this type appears more suitable for radar
A standard calibration short/air/water was absorbing material applications.
performed before each measurement. Several Starting from the knowledge of the permittivity, the
measurements were performed on each sample absorbing properties of polymers with different
changing the sensor position. The final value has been contents of MWCNTs have been analyzed considering
reported after an accurate average for each type. one-layer of thickness d, backed by a metallic plane.

1140
The reflection coefficient of this structure was
analyzed by considering an incident plane wave with
parallel, TM, and perpendicular, TE, polarization and
applying a transmission line approach [8].
Figure 5: One-layer backed by a metallic plane.
The reflection coefficient obtained for normal
incidence of one-layer of thickness d = 2mm of type 3
material, for different CNTs concentration is shown
in Fig. 5. As it was expected, the increase of the
relative permittivity values with the concentration
produces a minimum in the reflection coefficient. For
5% concentration a peak of -15dB at 11GHz is
obtained. This results have been verified by means of
Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurements.
Figure 6: Reflection coefficient for type 3, thickness
d=2mm, normal incidence.
4 CONCLUSIONS
Several types of Epoxy resin with MWCNTs have
been prepared and their complex permittivity
measured in the frequency band 3-18 GHz. The
tuning feasibility of the permittivity value by
changing MWCNTs concentration has been proven.
Better performances in the microwave absorption
properties by increasing the MWCNTs concentration
have been verified.
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Acknowledgments
Authors would like to thank Nanothinx for material
supply. Dr. S. Guastella for FESEM analysis, W.
Ferrarese and M. Mwanya of Selex ES for the RCS
measurements. Thermalskin project (Revolutionary
surface coatings by carbon nanotubes for high heat
transfer efficiency, FIRB 2010 - Futuro in Ricerca)
for economical support.
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