Tailoring permittivity and permeability of M-type hexagonal ferrite and 2D Ti₃C₂T_x MXene composites for broadband microwave stealth performance

In this study, owing to the significant advantages of heterogeneous interface engineering for customizing the electromagnetic parameters and microwave absorption properties, high magnetic lossy cobalt/zinc-doped hexagonal ferrite flakes were successfully anchored on two dimensional Ti₃C₂T_x with varying mass ratios. Inorganic Ti₃C₂T_x MXene was synthesized through the hydrofluoric acid etching process, and doped hexagonal ferrite was prepared by a solid-state sintering route leading to electrostatic bonding with Ti₃C₂T_x particles. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the MXene surface strongly adhered to the ferrite particles. By adjusting the ratio of ferrite to Ti₃C₂T_x, it is feasible to optimize electromagnetic parameters, as required. Specifically, doped ferrite@4% Ti₃C₂T_x MXene composite exhibited remarkable absorption performance; the maximum reflection loss (RL) was −49 dB at 15.2 GHz with a thickness of 1.9 mm. The effective bandwidth corresponding to the RL values below −10 dB is 8.3 GHz (from 9.7 GHz to 18 GHz) at a single thickness of 2 mm, and below −15 dB is 6.4 GHz (from 10.7 GHz to 17 GHz), outlining the prospect for application as an electromagnetic wave absorber. Radar cross-section (RCS) simulation was performed with microwave incident angles ranging from 0 to 360°. The results demonstrate a reduction in RCS of up to −47.8 dBsm at a 60° incident angle. This study develops a new approach for constructing multi-component heterostructure composites with tailored electromagnetic parameters as a superior and modulated radar stealth material.