Enhanced microwave magnetic and attenuation properties of composites with free-standing spinel ferrite thick films as fillers

Free-standing thick films of spinel ferrite, Ni_0.89−xCu_0.11Zn_xFe₂O₄ with x=0.55 and 0.60, were prepared as fillers to fabricate electromagnetic composites. Compared to those made with conventional spherical fillers, the composites made with thick film fillers showed enhanced static permeability (μ′₀) and maximum imaginary permeability (μ″_max). At the same time, complex permittivity (ε′ and ε″) were almost unchanged. A relative bandwidth W_R of 7–8 was achieved, which is about 75% of the theoretical maximum relative bandwidth. These composites are potential candidates as electromagnetic attenuation materials with ultrabroad absorption bandwidth in L and S bands.