Recent Advances in Electromagnetic Wave Absorbers Fabricated Via Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

Abundant electromagnetic (EM) waves, generated by the widespread use of electronic devices, wireless technologies, and advanced military radar and communication systems, are an ever-growing concern owing to their negative effects on human health, precision electronic devices, and stealth capabilities. Electromagnetic wave absorbers (EMAs) are crucial in mitigating EM pollution. Traditional fabrication techniques struggle to achieve complex three-dimensional EMA architectures, limiting design flexibility and performance optimization. In contrast, additive manufacturing enables the rapid fabrication of intricate structures with precise material control, facilitating the development of high-performance EMAs with tailored properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental EM wave absorption mechanisms and design strategies for EMAs. Based on this foundation, we present a systematic evaluation of EMA designs fabricated using different additive manufacturing techniques, including fused deposition modeling, vat photopolymerization, direct ink writing, and selective laser sintering. Additionally, recent advancements in multifunctional EMAs are explored. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in material compatibility, multi-material printing, and precise microstructural control. This review discusses these challenges and highlights future research directions, including AI-driven design optimization and integrated fabrication frameworks. Ultimately, additive manufacturing presents a transformative approach for fabricating next-generation EMAs, which are expected to achieve broader applications across aerospace, military, and consumer electronics industries.