Controllable graphitization degree of carbon foam bulk toward electromagnetic wave attenuation loss behavior

The graphitization degree is of great importance for determining the electromagnetic (EM) wave attenuation loss behavior. The conductive loss is considered to be the mechanism resulting from tailoring the graphitization degree. There is a lack of in-depth research on the dipole polarization caused by defects and functional groups and the interface polarization caused by graphite/amorphous carbon. Herein, lightweight carbon foam (CF) bulk derived from mesophase pitch was prepared to clarify the effect of the graphitization degree systematically. The results demonstrate that with an increase graphitization degree, the interfacial polarization improves and dipole polarization decreases. The synergistic effect of conduction loss and dipole and interfacial polarization dominates the impedance matching and further changes the EM loss behavior of CFs. Particularly, the minimum reflection loss is − 16.69 dB and effective absorption bandwidth is 3.63 GHz, the EM interference shielding effectiveness attains 35.13 dB and the compressive strength is up to 11.73 MPa when the optimal graphitization degree is achieved. Therefore, this work elucidates the effect of the interface polarization of graphite/amorphous carbon, thus providing a valuable insight into the design of advanced carbon-based materials for EM wave absorption and shielding.