Dielectric properties of microwave absorbing sheets produced with silicone and polyaniline

The aim of this study was to produce sheets of microwave absorbing materials using conductive polyaniline dispersed in a silicone rubber matrix and to characterize the electromagnetic properties (absorption, transmission and reflection of electromagnetic energy; and electric permittivity and magnetic permeability) of these sheets in the X-band (8 - 12 GHz). Two sheets were produced: one 2.80 mm thick and the other 4.39 mm thick. The thinner sheet absorbed incident microwave energy more efficiently, attenuating up to 88% of the incident electromagnetic energy. Also, calculations were performed in order to determine the electromagnetic parameters that optimize the absorbent properties of these sheets. These calculations showed that these materials can be combined and altered to produce absorbing materials with a wide range of absorbing characteristics.