The electromagnetic characterization of the foam glass samples (Fig. 1a) is done in the X-band frequency
range (8 – 12 GHz). Microwave measurements are carried out with an Agilent PNA E8664A
network analyzer. A rectangular waveguide is used for the characterization of the foam samples.
Prior to taking measurements, a TRL (Through-Reflect-Line) calibration is performed to put the reference
planes at the beginning of the waveguide section. A first measurement of vacuum is performed
to take into account losses of the empty waveguide. The glass foam sample is cut to the dimension of
the waveguide (22.86 X 10.16 X 20 mm3
), and then inserted into the waveguide section for the characterization
(Figure 1.b).
Measured S-parameters of the samples, enables us to extract the microwave dielectric properties of
the foam glasses (i.e relative permittivity εr and loss tangent tanδ