Microwave Absorption Characteristics of Conventionally Heated Nonstoichiometric Ferrous Oxide

The temperature dependence of the microwave absorption of conventionally heated nonstoichiometric ferrous oxide (Fe_0.925O) was characterized via the cavity perturbation technique between 294 K and 1373 K (21 °C and 1100 °C). The complex relative permittivity and permeability of the heated Fe_0.925O sample slightly change with temperature from 294 K to 473 K (21 °C to 200 °C). The dramatic variations of permittivity and permeability of the sample from 473 K to 823 K (200 °C to 550 °C) are partially attributed to the formation of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and metal iron (Fe) from the thermal decomposition of Fe_0.925O, as confirmed by the high-temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD). At higher temperatures up to 1373 K (1100 °C), it is found that Fe_0.925O regenerates and remains as a stable phase with high permittivity. Since the permittivity dominates the microwave absorption of Fe_0.925O above 823 K (550 °C), resulting in shallow microwave penetration depth (~0.11 and ~0.015 m at 915 and 2450 MHz, respectively), the regenerated nonstoichiometric ferrous oxide exhibits useful microwave absorption capability in the temperature range of 823 K to1373 K (550 °C to 1100 °C).