Key facts
- A new low-cost microwave-absorbing composite has been developed by researchers at Foshan University.
- The material utilizes expanded graphite and titanium dioxide, offering a cheaper alternative to expensive ingredients like graphene.
- The composite is designed for strong electromagnetic wave attenuation and a simple manufacturing process.
- This innovation could lead to mass production and wider applications of stealth coating technology.
Military stealth coatings, traditionally associated with high-cost applications like fighter jets and missiles, may soon become more accessible due to a new development in China. A team from Foshan University has reported the creation of a low-cost microwave-absorbing composite material. Published in the Journal of Ceramics in April, their research details a composite made from expanded graphite and titanium dioxide. This approach bypasses the need for expensive ingredients such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, which are common in high-performance radar-absorbing systems. The researchers highlight that their material offers strong electromagnetic wave attenuation and a relatively simple manufacturing process, suggesting a significant reduction in production costs compared to existing technologies. This innovation holds the potential for large-scale industrial production and broader practical applications beyond niche military uses.