Multiphase synergistic enhancement of single-source precursor SiTiBOC ceramics for highly efficient tunable microwave absorption

SiOC ceramics, characterized by excellent chemical stability, tunable dielectric properties and remarkable high-temperature stability, are promising candidates for next-generation wave-absorbing materials. However, the current performance of SiOC-based materials in terms of electromagnetic wave absorption is limited by their inherent lack of good impedance matching. In this study, we successfully synthesized SiTiBOC ceramics at 1400 °C utilizing a straightforward polymer-derived ceramic method. The impedance matching was effectively enhanced to Z ≈ 1 through the strategic doping of Ti and B elements, facilitated by the intrinsic spatial gaps within the material. Electromagnetic parameter analysis revealed that the minimum reflection loss (RL min ) value of SiTiBOC ceramics is −61.58 dB at a frequency of 10.70 GHz, while the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) is 2.70 GHz (t = 1.7 mm, 15.21–17.91 GHz). The radar stealth capabilities of SiTiBOC ceramics were evaluated via radar cross-section (RCS) modeling, revealing an RCS reduction of 10.15 dB·m² at 0° and a minimum RCS value of −55.2 dB·m² at −45° compared to a perfect electrical conductor (PEC). These excellent properties make SiTiBOC ceramics a potential candidate for a new generation of highly efficient wave-absorbing materials.