The worlds very first technology for consecutively making epsilon iron oxide that can take in millimeter waves with a high coercive force comparable to that of neodymium magnets has been established by a research team.
KIMS developed the worlds very first continuous manufacturing innovation for millimeter wave-absorbing magnetic materials.
A research team led by Dr. Youn-kyoung Baek and Dr. Jung-goo Lee was successful in developing the worlds very first technology to consecutively make epsilon iron oxide that can absorb millimeter wave with a high coercive force equivalent to that of neodymium (Nd) magnets. The researchers are in the Department of Magnetic Materials in Powder Materials Division at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), a government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Iron oxide material with a high-coercive epsilon crystal phase is practically the only magnetic product that takes in ultra-high frequencies which is a possible 6G frequency band. Previously, it was only formed in a nano-sized particle of 50 nanometers or less. Japan succeeded to produce pure epsilon iron oxide through batch-type damp process, but it includes time-consuming multi-stage procedure, leading to a low yield.
Iron oxide product with a high-coercive epsilon crystal stage is nearly the only magnetic product that takes in ultra-high frequencies which is a prospective 6G frequency band. The research team embraced the aerosol procedure to fix the low-yield problem and prospered in producing a composite powder in which epsilon iron oxide nanoparticles are embedded in silica particles by spray-drying precursor solutions in a hot chamber. Epsilon iron oxide nanoparticles might be continuously produced through a micrometer-sized powder production procedure, which is significant as it showed the possibility of commercialization of millimeter wave absorbing products.
While conventional metals that take in electromagnetic waves have decreased absorption capacity in high-frequency bands or have restrictions in controlling frequency bands, epsilon iron oxide has high capacity as a product for future interaction parts due to its absorption capacity in the ultra-high frequency (30-200GHz) band. Constant production technology of epsilon iron oxide with millimeter wave absorption capability can be used for mm-wave 5G/6G cordless interaction, radar sensors for driverless cars and truck, stealth and low-orbit satellite interaction elements.
Successive production process of epsilon iron oxide. Credit: Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS).
The research study team adopted the aerosol process to fix the low-yield issue and was successful in producing a composite powder in which epsilon iron oxide nanoparticles are embedded in silica particles by spray-drying precursor options in a hot chamber. When the precursor product service is constantly injected and the beads are instantly dried, the iron precursor is caught in the silica xerogel particles and restricted to grow during heat treatment. Epsilon iron oxide nanoparticles could be continuously produced through a micrometer-sized powder manufacturing procedure, which is substantial as it showed the possibility of commercialization of millimeter wave soaking up materials.
While conventional metals that take in electro-magnetic waves have actually decreased absorption capability in high-frequency bands or have restrictions in controlling frequency bands, epsilon iron oxide has high potential as a material for future communication parts due to its absorption capacity in the ultra-high frequency (30-200GHz) band. Continuous production innovation of epsilon iron oxide with millimeter wave absorption capability can be used for mm-wave 5G/6G cordless communication, radar sensing units for driverless vehicle, stealth and low-orbit satellite interaction components. In addition, as it is a high-coercivity magnetic product, it can be utilized for electric motor parts for future mobility.
The shape, magnetic properties and electro-magnetic wave absorption homes of the epsilon iron oxide. Credit: Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS).
Presently, no companies commercially produce items with applied magnetic products efficient in taking in mm waves. Only two or 3 companies in the US, Japan, and Germany produce 5G band absorbing and protecting products. The technology established by scientists at KIMS is expected to be localized and exported to the worldwide market in the future.
Principal investigator Dr. Youn-kyoung Baek stated, “The epsilon iron oxide can selectively soak up ultra-high frequencies in a broad band (30 to 200 GHz). The significance of the research study is that it developed the first constant manufacturing procedure of epsilon iron oxides. The technology is anticipated to accelerate the commercialization of cordless communication gadgets using millimeter waves, self-driving car radars, and absorber innovation for area satellite communication in the future.”.
The research was performed as a job to establish magnetic composite Materials with tunable magnetic efficiencies of KIMS and moneyed by the Ministry of Science and ICT. In addition, the research study was published in Chemical Communications, a distinguished academic journal in products science released by the Royal Society of Chemistry in the UK on September 23rd. Currently, the research group is talking about innovation transfer for mass production of iron oxide soaking up products with numerous companies, and is carrying out a follow-up research study to enhance wave absorption capacity to terahertz which is 100 gigahertz (GHz) or higher.
Referral: “Facile synthesis of epsilon iron oxides by means of spray drying for millimeter-wave absorption” by Gi Ryeon Jo, Min Byeol Yun, Yeong Hun Son, Byeongjin Park, Jung-Goo Lee, Young-Guk Kim, Young-Guk Son and Youn-Kyoung Baek, 23 September 2022, Chemical Communications.DOI: 10.1039/ D2CC03168J.
Financing: Ministry of Science and ICT.
About Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS).
KIMS is a non-profit government-funded research study institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea. As the only institute specializing in comprehensive products technologies in Korea, KIMS has added to Korean industry by performing a wide variety of activities associated with products science including R&D, examination, screening&& assessment, and technology support.
