Fabrication and performance optimization of Mn-Zn ferrite/EP composites as microwave absorbing materials

Magnesium-substituted Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 ferrite is synthesized by the sol–gel combustion method using citrate acid as the complex agent. The electromagnetic absorbing behaviors of ferrite/polymer coatings fabricated by dispersing Mn–Zn ferrite into epoxy resin （EP） are studied. The microstructure and morphology are characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Complex permittivity, complex permeability, and reflection loss of ferrite/EP composite coating are investigated in a low frequency range. It is found that the prepared ferrite particles are traditional cubic spinel ferrite particles with an average size of 200 nm. The results reveal that the electromagnetic microwave absorbing properties are significantly influenced by the weight ratio of ferrite to polymer. The composites with a weight ratio of ferrite/polymer being 3：20 have a maximum reflection loss of –16 dB and wide absorbing band. Thus, the Mn–Zn ferrite is the potential candidate in electromagnetic absorbing application in the low frequency range （10 MHz–1 GHz）.

Experimental investigation of sound absorption in a composite absorber

A composite absorber made of a polyurethane sponge and multi-layer micro-perforated plates is pre-sented in this study.Results from an acoustic impedance tube test show that the polyurethane sponge can exhibits higher low-frequency sound absorption in front of the micro-perforated plate,while sound absorption at medium and high-frequencies remains low.The physical mechanism behind this is that the micro-perforated plate increases the denpth cavity.If the polyurethane sponge is placed behind the micro-perforated plate,the amplitude of the original absorption peak will remain constant,but the ab-sorption peaks will shift to lower frequencies.The reason for this phenomenon is that porous materials with low flow resistance can be approximately equivalent to fluid,which not only does not affect the res-onance absorption coefficient of micro-perforated plate,but also makes the peaks move to low frequency.This study has the potential applications in the sound absorption design of composite structure.

Research and application of kapok fiber as an absorbing material: A mini review

Kapok fiber corresponds to the seed hairs of the kapok tree（Ceiba pentandra）, and is a typical cellulosic fiber with the features of thin cell wall, large lumen, low density and hydrophobic–oleophilic properties. As a type of renewable natural plant fiber, kapok fiber is abundant,biocompatible and biodegradable, and its full exploration and potential application have received increasing attention in both academic and industrial fields. Based on the structure and properties of kapok fiber, this review provides a summary of recent research on kapok fiber including chemical and physical treatments, kapok fiber-based composite materials, and the application of kapok fiber as an absorbent material for oils, metal ions, dyes, and sound,with special attention to its use as an oil-absorbing material, one predominant application of kapok fiber in the coming future.