The Effect of Different Nanomaterials Additions in Clay-Based Composites on Electromagnetic Transmission

In this study, clay composites were subjected to electromagnetic transmission testing at frequencies in the region of non-ionizing radiation. Specimens were made with partial substitution of clay with different admixtures by mass. Admixtures used were Fly Ash, four different particle sizes and phases of Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂), Zinc Ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄), Maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) and Antimony Tin Oxide (ATO). The additives were thoroughly (chemically, structurally, morphologically) characterized. The replacement percentage was 5 wt.%. Electromagnetic transmission assessment included S₂₁ transmission coefficient measurements for samples with different additives. The lowest transmission was reported for the clay specimens with ATO and Titanium Dioxide, especially at higher frequencies. A decrease in the transmission parameter with increasing specimen thickness was also confirmed.