Rosatom scientists have developed a new method for producing radio-absorbing materials that reduce the radar signature of equipment and protect personnel.
The patent of the state corporation's scientists indicates that the materials absorb electromagnetic radiation in antennas, high-frequency instrument blocks and anechoic chambers, and are also used to reduce the visibility of objects.
The proposed method involves placing carbon nanotubes in a solution of ferrocene — a compound of iron, carbon and hydrogen — in an organic solvent with simultaneous exposure to ultrasound.
After processing, the nanotubes are filtered, dried, kept at a temperature of 600–700 °C for at least an hour and ground to a powder. The powder is then mixed with a polymeric binder and applied to the surface or used to make bulk products.
According to the developers, with the optimal ratio of nanotubes and ferrocene, the reflection coefficient of electromagnetic radiation of the new material is 1.5–2 times lower than that of previously used compositions.
An additional advantage of the method is the possibility of using various binders — epoxy, silicone, polyester and others — which allows to obtain materials with different shapes, hardness, elasticity and maintainability.
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