Atici Ş., Aksoy A., Akyildiz H. I., Yigit E.
2025 9th International Symposium on Innovative Approaches in Smart Technologies (ISAS), Gaziantep, Turkey, 27 - 28 June 2025, pp.1-5, (Full Text)
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Publication Type:
Conference Paper / Full Text
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Doi Number:
10.1109/isas66241.2025.11101740
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City:
Gaziantep
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Country:
Turkey
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Page Numbers:
pp.1-5
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Bursa Uludag University Affiliated:
Yes
Abstract
In this study, lightweight and flexible multilayer radar absorbing materials (MRAMs) are developed using carbon-based textile coatings and optimized through a doublestage Artificial Bee Colony (DS-ABC) algorithm. Polyester and cotton fabrics are dip-coated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solutions containing 5wt% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and 10−30wt% graphite, resulting in eight distinct material samples. Characterization of the samples is performed via vector network analyzer (VNA) within the frequency range of 2−18GHz and their electromagnetic properties are compiled into a database for algorithm-based optimization. The DS-ABC algorithm is employed to determine the optimum number of layers, their sequence, and individual thicknesses. Unlike traditional approaches that co-define material types and thicknesses in a fixed parameter space, this method evaluated these attributes independently, allowing for a more comprehensive search of design configurations. As a result, an optimized two-layer MRAM with a total thickness of approximately 7 mm is obtained, consisting of a 3.69 mm cotton fabric coated with 30wt% graphite and a 3.35 mm polyester fabric coated with 5 wt% MWCNT. The final design achieved an average reflection coefficient below -10 dB across the full frequency band and across incidence angles from 0° to 40°, under transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations. These findings highlight the potential of carbon-based coated textiles as effective, conformal, and manufacturable EM absorbers for next-generation wearable and stealth applications.