Electro-blown-spun ZrB2/SiC nanocomposite fiber mats: tailoring microstructure for robust EM absorption, thermal stability, and flexibility

Balancing light weight, thermal stability, and strong Electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption remains a key challenge for advanced high-temperature absorbers. While conventional electrospinning (ESP) can produce nanofibers, its low throughput and tendency to form densely packed 2D films limit the construction of the bulk 3D porous networks required for optimal impedance matching and multiple scattering. Herein, a flexible ZrB 2 /SiC nanocomposite fiber mat was fabricated via an electro-blown spinning (EBS) strategy, which integrates electric field force and high-speed airflow to achieve high-efficiency, large-scale production of 3D interconnected architectures. The introduction of ZrB 2 nanoparticles builds abundant heterogeneous interfaces and enhances interfacial polarization as well as conductive loss. Meanwhile, the EBS process produces ultralight, 3D porous networks with excellent impedance matching and mechanical adaptability. Consequently, the nanocomposite exhibits outstanding integrated performance with an ultralow density of 0.022 g cm −3 , representing a 75% reduction in density compared to conventional ESP-derived samples (0.083 g cm −3 ). Moreover, the nanocomposite demonstrates excellent microwave absorption capabilities, achieving a RL min of −68.8 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.5 GHz at a thickness of 1.7 mm. Furthermore, the nanocomposite mats exhibit excellent mechanical flexibility and low thermal conductivity (0.021 W/m·K), offering a robust and scalable route for multifunctional ceramic-based absorbers.