Flexible ZrO₂/ZrC/ZrB₂ ceramic nanofiber mats by electrospinning with broadband electromagnetic absorption and high-temperature oxidation resistance

Flexible ceramic electromagnetic (EM) absorbers with high thermal stability and broadband EM absorption are in high demand for applications under harsh conditions and EM absorption fields. In this study, we prepared flexible nanofiber mats containing ZrO₂, ZrC, and ZrB₂ phases as EM absorbers by one-step electrospinning and high-temperature pyrolysis. The ceramic nanofiber mats, pyrolyzed at 1300 ℃ and mixed with paraffin, exhibit a broadband effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 8.64 GHz at a thickness of 2.4 mm. Additionally, the mats demonstrate exceptional oxidation resistance up to 1400 ℃. Nanoscale conductive networks with multiple ceramic absorbers are promising candidates for EM absorption applications in high-temperature EM stealth of complex structural components and high-temperature oxidation protection.