Electromagnetic properties of Carbon-Graphene Xerogel, Graphite and Ni-Zn Ferrite composites in polystyrene matrix in the X-Band (8.2 – 12.4 GHz)

The electromagnetic properties of Carbon-Graphene Xerogel (CGX), Flaky graphite (GR) and Nickel-Zinc ferrite (FeNiZn) composites in polystyrene (PS) matrix were studied in the X-Band range (8.2 – 12.4 GHz). In this work the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) waste material was processed into polystyrene through the recycling of EPS. The polystyrene obtained was utilized as dielectric matrix, mainly because PS is a well-known organic polymer that presents low dielectric loss and light weight, which contribute to applications in composites for the aerospace field. In order to produce the final composite specimens, the CGX additive was previously synthesized through a sustainable method that employed the use of waste from the paper and pulp industry (black liquor). Afterwards, the morphological and structural analysis were made through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Raman Spectrometer, respectively. On the other hand, the magnetic ferrite material, FeNiZn, was obtained for the composite production through calcination, whereas the GR utilized was commercially obtained. It was observed that the increase of CGX and GR influenced on the increase of the Complex Permittivity, and that 10 wt% CGX + 50wt% FeNiZn composite sample demonstrated an absorption peak at 10.5 GHz. The results are relevant concerning the recycling of EPS waste through its use as dielectric matrix, thus developing greener and low-weight composite materials to be used in microwave applications.