Researchers use tree bark wastes to reduce radar detection.
image: The developed sustainable carbon material from biomass residue was applied as flexible composite, resulting in 42% reduction cost and still attenuating the electromagnetic waves, becoming a potential alternative for electronic devices and stealth technology applications.
Credit: Manuella G.C. Munhoz and Alan F.N. Boss.
Most researchers today explore high-tech materials like carbon nanotubes or graphene to develop a class of composite known as radar-absorbing material, i.e., a composite that can attenuate radar signals for stealth applications. Such high-tech materials are costly and energy-intensive to produce. Researchers from Brazil and Canada have explored sustainable carbon made of tree bark waste as an affordable alternative to those options. Their findings were recently published in the Journal of Renewable Materials, with insights on how engineering material and design can lead to performances as well as those expensive options.
“Turning tree bark waste into a material that can reduce radar detection shows that sustainability and performance can go hand by hand” said Dr. Gisele Amaral-Labat, one of the lead researchers. In lab tests, the new composite material proved effective at attenuating radar waves in key frequency ranges, making it suitable for defense applications, but not limited to. By applying the developed sustainable material in a double-layer design, researchers estimate a significant reduction of 42% on the production costs to achieve similar performance of that of composite using only carbon nanotubes. According to Dr. Amaral-Labat, the same sustainable carbon could be applied on energy storage devices and even for cleaning up environmental pollution.
The research also supports the goals of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, by promoting the use of renewable materials and reducing industrial waste. The team plans to scale up production and test the core material in other real-world situations. Their goal is to show that renewable, low-cost materials can compete with cutting-edge commercial products, bringing green innovation to industries that need it most. This innovation opens the door for industries to embrace more sustainable materials while maintaining performance, offering a hopeful outlook for a future where cutting-edge technology and environmental responsibility walk side by side.