Effect of the improved bulk modulus on dielectric properties of poly (methyl methacrylate)/borax hybrid composite at radar frequencies

Abstract

A cross-linkable thermoplastic has been synthesized by the Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization method for the development of PMMA/Borax composite with broadband radio-absorbing properties. The radio-physical characteristics were examined by means of measuring the changes of several features such as the transmission coefficient of electromagnetic wave, the reflection coefficient of electromagnetic wave, and permittivity. The dielectric (microwave) permittivity of this composite has been improved with the change in the borax concentration. The modified chemical composition by borax addition has provided for the synthesis of hybrid polymeric composite material with the development of insulation resistance. This modification has enhanced the functional properties of the composite with higher dielectric properties. The structural, mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic behaviour of the composite against Ka-band radar were determined at four different borax amounts (such as in 2, 7.5, and 10 wt%). The borax additive on PMMA has provided an enhancement of mechanical performance (with respect to the results of the Shore-D and Ultrasound tests) of the composite (synthesized by the Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization method which was the effective method) for the development of the mechanical performance.