Microstructure and metal–dielectric transition behaviour in a percolative Al2O3–Fe composite via selective reduction

Abstract

The electromagnetic (EM) medium plays a key role in many areas, such as communications, stealth technology, etc. Different EM properties are required for different applications. In this paper, we have obtained tunable EM properties in an Al₂O₃–Fe composite via selective reduction. By adjusting the content of one functional component, the composite shows totally different EM properties, in accordance with the predictions of effective medium theory. Hybrid EM behaviour is obtained near the percolation threshold, which has a close relationship with its microstructure.