Abstract
This study combines genetic algorithm (GA) and microwave simulations to optimize the thickness of polymer nanocomposite layers for microwave absorption. The solution processed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-multi wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites are studied in the Ku-band (12.4–18 GHz). The most promising reflection loss (RL) characteristics (minimum RL value or RLmin, and RL ≤ -10 dB bandwidth) were found for bi-layered PDMS-MWCNT nanocomposites with MWCNT composition of 3 vol% and 1.5 vol% at an optimal thicknesses of 1 mm and 1 mm (overall thickness 2 mm), respectively. The simulated data match well with experimental data viz., the recorded RLmin value was −28.5 dB with an excellent RL ≤ −10 dB bandwidth of 4.5 GHz, indicating suitability for real time Ku-band applications. On the other hand, an appreciable RL value of −44.5 dB was found for single layer (3 vol% MWCNT) with a 2.5 GHz absorption bandwidth at a thickness of 6.4 mm. The error analysis of the simulated and experimental data was also carried out and it was found to be in the acceptable region (≤3 dB).
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•Rapid and efficient thickness optimization approach for strong microwave absorption performance of polymer nanocomposite's (PNC) single and bi-layers.•Integration of genetic algorithm and microwave simulations with experimental validation.•Bi-layered solution processed PDMS-MWCNT nanocomposites with optimal thicknesses for strong broadband microwave absorption.•Error analysis of simulated and experimental data in acceptable region (≤3 dB).