Microwave absorbing material refers to aclass of functional material, which possesses the ability to convert the electromagnetic wave energy irradiating on their surface into other types of energy such as heat through certain kinds of physical actions, thereby realizing the attenuation and loss of electromagnetic waves. With the increasing demand for anti⁃magnetic interference, radiation protection, and military stealth, electromagnetic wave absorbing materials continue to develop towards component compositing and structure diversification. With the continuous development of information technology, material computing techniques represented by finite element analysis and first⁃principles calculations, have been widely used in the design of components and structures of microwave absorbing materials, which are the important means to realize compositing, analysis, and control of the materials. This paper clarifies the basic principles and important equations of electromagnetic wave absorption, such as impedance matching and electromagnetic attenuation, and reviews the design theory of material structure and component and computer⁃aided methods. According to the research status, microwave absorbing composite materials have been classified, and the structure and composition design features in multiple systems have been described. Finally, the conclusion analyzes the problems existing in current research, and prospects for the future development direction. © 2023 Cailiao Daobaoshe/ Materials Review. All rights reserved.
