3D printed PEEK/CF nanocomposites metamaterial for enhanced resonances toward microwave absorption and compatible camouflage

Abstract

The stealth materials for future weapons and equipment need to operate within the radar working band, be lightweight, easy to process, and compatible with infrared stealth. Integrating all these characteristics poses a significant challenge. This work utilizes poly (ether-ether-ketone)/carbon fibers (PEEK/CF) composite materials and employed reverse-guided manufacturing through simulation design. Incorporating a grid structure within the pyramid metamaterial enables electromagnetic wave reflecting multiple times in various directions. By optimizing the important interaction between dielectric properties of the materials structures，the Pyramid Grid Filled Metamaterial enables broadband electromagnetic wave absorption (<-10 dB, 8–18 GHz), weak angular dependence (5- 45^o incidence), polarization insensitivity, radar cross section (RCS) reduction (reduction over 10 dB between θ = −60° and 60°), and infrared camouflage performance. The PGF metamaterial of 180◊180 mm², weighs only 103.1 g at a thickness of 9 mm. This work paves a way for the design the radar infrared compatible composite metamaterials.