Enhanced microwave absorption and mechanical performance of polyvinylidene fluoride thin films embedded with novel activated carbon and manganese ferrite

Abstract Thin composite films hold great promise for microwave devices for microwave absorption. This work mainly focuses on the investigation of the microwave absorption and mechanical studies of a composite thin film of activated carbon and manganese ferrite as conductive fillers within a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix. The production of activated carbon was successfully accomplished using a pyrolysis technique. Composite films consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and activated carbon‐manganese ferrite were fabricated using a solution blending method. The composite films maintained a consistent concentration of activated carbon at 5 wt%. The characterization of the materials was conducted using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The composite consists of 3 wt% of MnFe ₂ O ₄ and 5 wt% Activated carbon/PVDF showed exceptional absorption properties and achieved a minimum reflection loss of around −38 dB at a frequency of 8–12 GHz at a thickness of 2 mm. Significantly, the composite film exhibited a greater tensile strength than the PVDF film. The results of our study highlighted the enhanced microwave absorption and economical manufacturing technique for producing composite films. These films exhibit promising microwave‐absorbing properties in stealth applications. Highlights A facile strategy to fabricate thin film PVDF composites was proposed. Novel activated carbon was synthesized to enhance the conductivity. Achieved reflection loss of around −38 dB at a frequency of 8–12 GHz. Synergistic effects of fillers enhanced dielectric and magnetic losses. Exhibited efficient mechanical performance and microwave absorption.