Microwave Absorbing Properties of MnAlFe Magnetic Powder

MnAlFe alloy was prepared by the combined use of smelting, high-energy ball milling and tempering heat treatment process. The phase composition and microwave absorbing properties of MnAlFe alloy were investigated by X-ray diffractometer(XRD) and vector network analyzer. The results show that the powders consist of Al8Mn5 single phase with different Fe content; the dielectric loss and the magnetic loss increases with the addition of Fe, the resonant frequency and absorption peak of ε″ and μ″ moves towardslower frequency region simultaneously. The (Al8Mn5)99Fe exhibits preferably comprehensive microwave absorbing properties in the range of 6-18 GHz. The value of the minimum reflectivity and absorption peak frequency with the coating thickness of 1.5 mm, are -23.1 dB, 15.04 GHz respectively. Owing to the wide applications of electromagnetic waves in the range of 1–4 GHz for mobile phone, local area network, radar systems and so on over the past few decades, the serious problems of the electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility have become increasingly prominent in recent years. Microwave absorbing materials, which possess special performance for absorbing electromagnetic wave, have been applied in both civil and military fields and play an important role in camouflage technology. In military field, stealth technology to reduce and eliminate the electromagnetic radiation and electromagnetic interference resulting from the broad applications of various kinds of electronic and microwave instruments, stealth technology plays an important strategic role in the wars in future[1-2]. The microwave absorbing materials can be used to reduce radar cross section for military use. For this reason, the microwave absorbing material is vitally important for both civil and military fields[3-7]. In view of this utilization, excellent microwave absorbing materials should exhibit strong microwave absorption properties over a wide frequency range and need to be thin and light in weight. It has an important meaning to the application of magnetic microwave absorbing materials. MnAl alloy can be used as microwave absorbent. It has properties such as light in weight, good thermal stability and corrosion resistance[8-11]. But as permanent magnets, MnAl has shortcomings such as their difficulties of fabrication and high costs that prevent them from being used as permanent magnets. A great value would be brought to either theory or practice through proper treatments as further improvement in properties. In this paper, we will discuss the effects of changing relative content of Fe on absorption properties of Al8Mn5 alloy.