Microwave absorption of polymer nanocomposites on the base high-density polyethylene and magnetite nanoparticles

In this article, we report about the synthesis of magnetic polymer nanocomposites comprising magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles in a polyethylene (PE) matrix. The structure and composition of nanocomposite materials using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy have been studied. It has been defined that the agglomeration of nanoparticles does not occur, by increasing the volume content of nanoparticles up to 60%, and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles act out like single-domain particles. It has also been revealed that nanocomposites based on PE + Fe₃O₄ with nanoparticle content in a polymer matrix up to 60% behave like superparamagnetic particles. It has also been revealed that the PE + Fe₃O₄-based nanocomposites effectively absorb the electromagnetic waves in the high frequency range of 0.1–30 GHz. It is shown that the properties of ultrahigh electromagnetic waves can be varied by varying the thickness of the nanocomposite films and the concentration of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles.