Carbon micro- and nano-structured multilayer composites for microwave metrological design

Aim of the research is the development of a procedure for the production of items with electromagnetic properties addressing any a priori defined behavior. The microwave range 2-18 GHz is analyzed, and a series of both physically real and unreal reflection coefficient profiles are proposed are target to be followed. The proposed structures are multilayers made of polymeric material enriched by carbon-based micro- and nano-powder at different weight percentages. A mathematical modelling which lays down the interaction between electromagnetic field and multilayer structure drives the optimization design by a customized numerical tool based on the particle swarm algorithm framework; this latter gives optimal solutions in terms of layering sequence (i.e., indicating composition and thickness of each layer) to replicate the specific target properties. Both numerical simulations and experimental validations testify the mimic capability provided by the designed/manufactured structures. The proposed strategy thus opens a broad spectrum of novel applications for metrological purposes, as well as for electromagnetic compatibility issues.