Optimization of PDMS -MWCNT nanocomposites for strong Ku-band absorption by integrating microwave simulations and genetic algorithm

Bora, PJ and Chandana, G and Mahanta, B and Doh, J and Ramamurthy, PC and Raghavan, N (2023) Optimization of PDMS -MWCNT nanocomposites for strong Ku-band absorption by integrating microwave simulations and genetic algorithm. In: Composites Communications, 39 .

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Abstract

This study combines genetic algorithm (GA) and microwave simulations to optimize the thickness of polymer nanocomposite layers for microwave absorption. The solution processed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-multi wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites are studied in the Ku-band (12.4–18 GHz). The most promising reflection loss (RL) characteristics (minimum RL value or RLmin, and RL ≤ -10 dB bandwidth) were found for bi-layered PDMS-MWCNT nanocomposites with MWCNT composition of 3 vol% and 1.5 vol% at an optimal thicknesses of 1 mm and 1 mm (overall thickness 2 mm), respectively. The simulated data match well with experimental data viz., the recorded RLmin value was −28.5 dB with an excellent RL ≤ −10 dB bandwidth of 4.5 GHz, indicating suitability for real time Ku-band applications. On the other hand, an appreciable RL value of −44.5 dB was found for single layer (3 vol% MWCNT) with a 2.5 GHz absorption bandwidth at a thickness of 6.4 mm. The error analysis of the simulated and experimental data was also carried out and it was found to be in the acceptable region (≤3 dB).

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Composites Communications
Publisher:	Elsevier Ltd
Additional Information:	The copyright for this article belongs to Elsevier Ltd.
Keywords:	Genetic algorithm (GA); Microwave absorption; Multi wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT); PDMS; Polymer nanocomposite (PNC); Reflection loss (RL)
Department/Centre:	Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences > Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research Division of Mechanical Sciences > Materials Engineering (formerly Metallurgy)
Date Deposited:	21 Apr 2023 10:26
Last Modified:	21 Apr 2023 10:26
URI:	https://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/81370

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